IWF Presents: Monday Night Sacrifice - August 6th 2018

IWF Presents: Monday Night Sacrifice - August 6th 2018 Aug 8, 2018 1:19:51 GMT

Post by Jess Fowler on Aug 8, 2018 1:19:51 GMT

Monday Night Sacrifice
In memorial
Monday, August 6th, 2018

Pacific Coliseum, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

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IN-RING SEGMENT
Roberto addresses Lineage

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{ Monday Night Sacrifice opens live, not with fireworks or ostentatious music but a solemn silence. In the middle of the ring stands Roberto Verona, not in his usual attire of a suit in various colours but one of black, in mourning. Roberto bows his head as he grasps a microphone, waiting a few moments before calmly raising it to his lips. }

Roberto Verona: I stand before you here tonight, not as a villain, not as a hero, but as a man. A man who is hurting like everybody else in this arena and those watching at home. I stand here pledged with the ominous duty of addressing something I never wanted to happen inside this ring and if truth be told, I never thought I would need to do. A week ago, the world fell silent… but as time went by the voices grew louder as they sought answers.

{ Roberto looks around the arena. }

Roberto Verona: Yet, tonight isn’t the time for controversy, for those of you watching around the world expecting to find it then you’re sorely mistaken. Tonight, each and every one of you who has watched this broadcast will not see a company scrambling to deflect from its responsibilities or a corporate representative falling over themselves to beg for your mercy. No. Instead what you will see is a celebration. A celebration of a man…

{ Verona pauses and looks down. }

Roberto Verona: A celebration of a man who will never be forgotten. Each and every one of you will assume I mean the man you are most accustomed to, the one who did everything to send people home with memories that will last a lifetime, the ruthless machine who dominated professional wrestling… but I don’t. I am talking about the man who I had the personal honour to call a friend, the man who looked at a disenfranchised rookie from the indies and went to bat for him when others wouldn’t have even given him a second glance at the time, the man who believed in me…

{ Verona pauses again in an attempt to compose himself. }

Roberto Verona: The man that I will never forget and who leave a hole in my very core that will never be filled. Spike Kane meant so many things not only to me, but to each and every one of you in the audience, to those of you at home and all of the men and women in the back tonight. I could never and will never sully his memory by allowing the world to conduct a public autopsy live in television to feed of all our pain so them I say… find your gutter press articles elsewhere, because tonight we are going to celebrate the life and career of an icon.

{ The crowd cheers. }

Roberto Verona: The show goes on, not for me, not for the company, but to honour Spike’s memory. Tonight the men and women of IWF will walk down to this ring and they will leave everything they have to honour the business which Spike Kane lived for. They will not be hiding, they will be free to pay their respects to a man they owe so much to and to secure his legacy in the best way possible… yet, before they do, I have just one small request. I want each and every one of you to get up out of your seats, to not stand in silence but the applaud, make some noise, blow the entire roof off of their arena and make the whole world hear us when we say, with one voice, with one heart and with one soul: Thank You Spike!

{ Verona holds the microphone up in the air as the crowd begins to erupt into a rapturous applause and roar “Thank You Spike.” Verona walks around the ring pointing the mic into the audience as the noise grows louder and louder, echoing around the arena before he kneels down, laying the microphone in the middle of the ring. Verona exits but the camera remains fixed on a shot of the tron with a picture of Spike Kane, In Memorium as the arena thunders with his name before fading, not to the usual Sacrifice opening, but to a video montage of Spike Kane’s career. }

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SINGLES MATCH
Thaddeus v. Xavier Cross

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Vasco Dias: “Tonight’s first match up pits Thaddeus Bancroft and Xavier Cross, Bancroft looking to secure some last minute points to secure his spot in the Heir to the Throne rankings, Xavier is a long shot with zero points.”

Terri Morasco: “Xavier looks to get back on track, with the longest losing streak of his career so far.”

Vasco Dias: “His opponent tonight isn’t an easy one. Bancroft is hardcore and willing to do whatever it takes to win.”

{The lights dim as the pipes of "The British Grenadiers" hits the arena speakers and then from the rafters comes swinging Thaddeus and Harriet, Thaddeus dressed in a long coat, top hat and flying a Union Jack umbrella as he laughs brightly moving for the ring, he takes a moment to regale his subjects , wiping his feet on the apron as Harriet holds the ropes open as the pair walk the ring and be smug}

Alison Valance: “Hailing from the S.S. Vermillion, by way of Oxbridge, London….Thaddeus Bancroft!”

Vasco Dias: “Focused as always, Bancroft has a vicious look in his eyes.”

Terri Morasco: “And that could spell disaster for Xavier Cross.”

{The lights grow a little brighter, as the intro to 'X Gon Give it to Ya' by DMX begins to play on the loudspeakers, out from the behind the curtain slowly walks to the stage, rotating his shoulders a bit, a smirk on his face as he throws his hands up to the cheers of the crowd, pushing his hood back, glancing around the arena hand over his brow to block out some of the light. }

Alison Valance: "Standing at six feet three inches, weighing in at two hundred and thirty one pounds....he hails from Atlanta, Georgia by way of Lexington, Virginia....he is Xavier.....CROOOOOOOSSSSSS..."

{Throwing his fist in the air, a series of flames lights up the sides of the entrance ramp down to the ring as he charges forward running down the ramp, sliding into the ring through the bottom rope, glancing around a bit, he tosses his jacket off, before making his way to hard camera ropes, putting one foot on the middle rope lifting himself up throwing up a single fist in the air, as the fire slowly goes on the entrance ramp, but the four turnbuckles send a series of fire pyrotechnics into the air. Walking back, the fire slowly fades as he begins to stretch off in his corner.}

Terri Morasco: “A man scarred years ago by Spike Kane, has vowed to put on a match worthy of that same man.”

Vasco Dias: “I think we are all still in a state of shock and mourning, but Cross has one thing on his mind tonight, and that is winning.”

{Thaddeus and Xavier circle each other in the ring, as Xavier smirks a bit holding his hand out taking a step forward offering a test of strength. Thaddeus shakes his head, reluctantly putting his hand out. The two men place their fingers in between one another, but Thaddeus quickly throws a kick to the stomach of Xavier, but Xavier was prepared for the underhanded attack grabbing Thaddeus by the boot. With his eyes wide, Thaddeus hops around a bit, trying to get his balance. But instead, Thaddeus leaps into the air kicking Xavier with his opposite foot sending him backwards, Thaddeus rolls over and back on his feet charges forward catching Xavier with a clothesline dropping him to the mat. Thaddeus moves over to pick Cross up, but Xavier quickly wraps him up in a small package as the referee slides down for the pinfall}

Referee: “One...two…”

Vasco Dias: “A quick exchange, and Cross with a quick pin attempt!”

Terri Morasco: “He nearly caught Thaddeus off guard!”

{Thaddeus breaks out of the school boy, quickly on his feet throwing a few stomps into the chest of Xavier who flounders a bit under the attack. Thaddeus backs up, looking annoyed at Xavier, as he kneels down slapping Xavier across the face who snaps out of the daze Xavier, who kicks up back to his feet starring Thaddeus in the eye who backs down a bit, holding his hand up, as Xavier drives a hard right into the head of Thaddeus who flails his arms in the air, as he staggers backwards into the turnbuckle. Cross looks around as he charges forward, hitting Thaddeus with a hard splash. Cross steps back as Thaddeus looks around, in an over obvious amount of pain as he takes a few steps out of the corner, he turns to face Cross who is confused as Thaddeus throws his hands up in a old timey boxer style but collapses face first onto the mat.}

Vasco Dias: “Even when taking a beating, Thaddeus passes out like a showman!”

Terri Morasco: “A little more back and forth, but I think all Bancroft has done is piss Cross off.”

{Cross circles the prone body of Thaddeus as he runs across the ring getting a rebound off the ropes, as he leaps over Thaddeus who pops up onto his feet, as Xavier comes back around Thaddeus leaps over Cross, as Cross rebounds once more off the ropes as Thaddeus grabs him, hitting a stiff arm drag. Thaddeus holds onto Cross’s arm, working up onto his fingers, bending the middle finger back slowly. Cross slaps at Thaddeus’s forearm to no avail, as Thaddeus keeps bending back his finger until a snap is heard as Xavier lets out a scream of pain. Thaddeus lets go, as Xavier falls down to his knees, holding his fingers tightly as Thaddeus marches over to hard camera side leaning against the ropes a vicious grin across his face as he teases his mustache, winking into the camera.}

Vasco Dias: “Vicious Bancroft, Xavier’s finger has to be broken!”

Terri Morasco: “This is ridiculous! How can it be in the rules that it’s okay to break your opponents fingers?!”

Vasco Dias: “It’s a submission move gone wrong Terri.”

{Thaddeus turns around, as Xavier is standing up, as Thaddeus backs away once more, shaking his hands. Cross looks furious, clutching his broken finger. Charging forward, but Thaddeus side steps as Cross tumbles over the top rope, crashing onto the ring apron. Thaddeus quickly grabs onto the top rope, vaulting himself over as he plants a double stomp right into the stomach of Cross, standing there he holds his hands up pandering to the crowd who rain down a chorus of boo’s at Thaddeus who casually hops off Cross, onto the floor below, slapping a large soda out of a man’s hand, covering a group of fans in soda.}

Terri Morasco: “Those are innocent fans!”

Vasco Dias: “No one is innocent, Thaddeus is showing them where the belong!”

{Thaddeus has some nuclear heat, as the crowd are yelling terrible things at him, which he just shrugs off. But as he turns, Xavier launches himself from a running start off the apron, cocking his entire body back in the air Xavier cracks Thaddeus across the chin with a vicious forearm, as both men crash to the floor below, as Xavier rolls into it, clutching his hand as he’s back on his feet shaking his hand trying to fix his finger. Thaddeus is in a daze, as the referee begins his count. Making his way over, Cross leans down grabbing Thaddeus by the mustache, forcing Thaddeus back to his feet. But Thaddeus quickly responds throwing a thumb to Xavier’s eye, as Xavier staggers back, Thaddeus grabs him by the back of the head throwing him face first into the ring post. Thaddeus stays on the offense, as he tosses Xavier back into the ring, just as the referee gets to six in his count, Thaddeus himself gets back into the ring to end the count.}

Vasco Dias: “Thaddeus is in complete control now!”

Terri Morasco: “I think Xavier was busted open, that post hit was hard.”

{Thaddeus grabs onto the ropes, lifting himself up, admiring his own gusto. Xavier is staggering to his face, blood trickling down his face, looking up at Thaddeus who charges forward looking to hit Cross with a knee to the side of the head. But Cross manages to move out of the way. As Thaddeus rebounds off the ropes, Cross runs alongside him getting a running start, Thaddeus stops in the ring as Cross goes up with a hurricanrana, but Thaddeus catches him in mid air, but Cross rolls his arm down forcing Thaddeus into the mat, and slips into the Crossword Puzzle Version Two! Thaddeus tries to fight out of it, but is forced to tap out.}

Terri Morasco: “Xavier has done it! The Crossword Puzzle for the win!”

Vasco Dias: “a hard fought victory tonight for Cross!”

Alison Valance: “Ladies and gentlemen, your winner via submission. Xavier Cross!”

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BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Words from Astrid and Pandora

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{Pandora and Astrid are backstage Pandoras' hair is tied back and she's wearing her usual gear but capped off with a black armband and a t-shirt that reads "ALL BLOODY HAIL" usual rainbow lipstick now black and hair in tight brigds along Side Astrid who stands with her.}

Pan: Last week, we all saw something we didn't want to see but we all knew was coming, some of you are thinking already that it's inevtiable that Spike will come back, that he'll walk around from behind me right now, give that knowing grin he gave and you'd all start booing.

{There's a long, awkward pause ad Pan's head bows and she dabs under an eyes as she spoke quietly.}

Pan: But that's not going to happen. You see I spent all of The night after Lineage right along side my Husband's body, between EMT's and doctors. I broke the News to Astrid before the news had even broken online and it was the hardest text message I had to write, one of the hardest hings I've had to do... and this last week It's just been a blur between phone calls and text messages... the reality of it all has only just really set in.

{Pan nods and her lower jaw wobble s as she tightens up and Astrid next to her puts a hand on her shoulder and she nods firmly, her voice cracking as she continues.}

Pan: Micheal Patrick Kane, Known to you all as Spike, died doing what he loved, and that was Not only competing for you, but winning. My congratulations go out to Dean Harper, but the Legacy of Kane it goes on, form Warren all the way to Dawn and Hope and me. Spike Kane died doing what her loved... and the best thing we can do tonight? Is we can go out there and give the same intensity and passion that he gave to us all.

{Pandora shakes little as she wipes at her eyes again and looks up at Astrid, who holds a hand over her belly as she nods slowly to herself, eventually speaking firmly and evenly.}

Astrid: I... have thought long and hard about what to say. First, as it has been suspected, I would like to confirm - the reason I have been out of in-ring competition since early May is because I am, indeed, pregnant... with Spike Kane's child. Spike's loss... leaves an emptiness in this company, and in our lives. There is a part of me that knows I should be angry with Dean Harper, as Spike's match with him resulted in the father of our daughter dying before he could see her born. And yet, through all of that...

{She smiles.}

Astrid: I'm grateful that, in the end, he died the way he did, when he did.

{She pauses for a moment as the crowd murmurs in shock, confusion, and anger before she explains.}

Astrid: Several months ago, Spike Kane learned that his cancer had come back. The prognosis was... grim. Though it had yet to begin to truly impact his life, we all knew that it was only a matter of time before he lost the ability to do what he loved. What made him happy. The truth is that Spike was never going to see the birth of our child. He likely was not going to see the turning of Autumn's leaves.

{A ripple of shock goes through the room.}

Astrid: He would have died withered and weak in a hospital bed, barely able to move... but instead? He died as a warrior should. He died the way he would have wanted to. He died fighting, in the ring that defined, changed, and saved his life a thousand times over, doing what he loved, surrounded by the family that he had built in the tens of thousands of fans who have cheered for him over the years. He died a warrior... and there is no greater gift that he could have received, knowing what was coming for him. So I ask this of you, of all of you - do not blame. Do not hate. Do not threaten. Instead be grateful, as I am... that Spike Kane got to live, and die, as Spike Kane.

{Pandora nods a little and they stand a little firmer.}

Pan: So say it with us now..You know the words

{The two of them stand side to side, hand in hand glaring at the camera with an intensity that rivals any Kane as they speak together.}

Both (with crowd in unison): ALL BLOODY HAIL.

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SINGLES MATCH
El Grande Malo v Redcap

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Vasco Dias: Ladies and Gentleman, we will be heading to some action now with Heir to the Throne points hanging in the balance. I know with this week it’s been hard to focus on this with everything that happened at Lineage, but the show must always continue on.

Terri Morasco: Next up, It will be do or Die for El Grande Malo, taking on a man who despite mixed results in terms of wins and loses, has managed to emerge as a front runner, but he will need points tonight with to have a better control of his destiny going into the Final Tournament.

{The house lights dim slightly as the words ‘OLÉ’ appear on the screen. The fans begin chanting along with the music as El Grandé Malo bursts out from behind the curtain. He stomps his way out to the center of the stage, bouncing up and down in time with the music. He hops up and down pointing into the air and quickly begins jogging down toward the ring, slapping the outstretched hands along the way, before sliding into the ring and heading for the nearest corner. He scales the turnbuckles and continues to hype up the chanting crowd before dropping down and pulling on the nearby top rope, stretching while waiting for the match to begin.}

Vasco Dias: Malo has only managed five points, and even then, he has showed he is more then capable of shocking the world, considering his points came against Xavier Cross, who I considered a front runner when the names were announced. If he is going to have any points to play with next week, He needs to actually look for a Submission victory.

Terri Morasco: Which will not come easily. The Redcap has shown he is not able to be put away like that, Jayson Matthews, one of IWF Resident Submission masters even in two attempts was unable to secure a submission victory over him, and well a talented as Malo is, That’s not his strong point.

Vasco Dias: I think Malo has a lot to prove. He was unusually quiet. I don’t know if the death of Spike is affecting him.

Terri Morasco: Could also be because he lost his best amigo in Steve Awesome.

Vasco Dias: We shouldn’t focus on such things.

{The lights flicker as the drums of “White rabbit” stars to hit the P.A and out slides the Redcap, slowly swaggering to the ring as if in a trance nodding his head and pushing at the crowd before climbing the apron and sliding backwards into the ring on his belly into a corner slowly pushing to his feet before throwing himself across the top rope as if it were a hammock to slide his jacket off.}

Vasco Dias: The Recap pulled off a big victory last week over our resident timelord Bancroft. Another win would actually give him a huge advantage going into the open betting next week.

{The official rings the bell, and quickly The Redcap rushes in and catches Malo with a running dropkick drives Malo out of the ring and to the floor, Malo quickly rolls upwards to his feet, but before he can even adjust, The Redcap has hit the ropes, and dives thru the middle rope with a Suicide Dive wiping the Pride of Mexico to the floor.}

Terri Morasco: Twenty seconds in and The Redcap is showing why he is one of the quickest men in this company, and in this business. This one could be over quickly.

{The Redcap throws Malo back into the ring, and climbs the turnbuckle, as he is going to let Malo any moment to even begin to mount a offense, Malo gets to his feet, as Redcap dives off, but Malo as quick as a Cat nails a superkick that cuts him off. Malo quickly yells Ariba as The Redcap raises, right into Malo hitting the ropes and nail a back Elbow, The Redcap gets up hit another one, Redcap raises once more but Malo lifts him up and slams him down with Authoriry}

Vasco Dias: Where the hell is this coming from!

Terri Morasco: Superkick…Back Elbows?...A Scoop Slam, where have I’ve seen this before?

{El Grande Malo hits the ropes, and hits a jumping Elbow Drop right to the heart of Redcap, Redcap lets it out he is in pain, but Malo leaps up into the air, driving his back into the chest cavity of Redcap, Malo is feeling it, as he hits the ropes, struts towards Redcap and yells THIS IS FOR YOU BEST AMIGO!}

Terri Morasco: Wow, never expected I would see a Steve Awesome tribute on a Spike Kane tribute show!

{Malo does as best he can, the classic Steve Awesome model pose, before dropping a big Elbow right into the Heart of The Redcap, Malo goes for the pin!}

One!

Two!

{The Redcap manages to throw a shoulder up, but he clearly wasn’t expecting this out of El Grande Malo}

Vasco Dias: I think the shift in the moveset has thrown off The Redcap who has clearly shown, despite rookie mistakes, very adapt at adjusting, but even he wasn’t prepared for that.

Terri Morasco: It’s hard to believe the tide turned that much, that Quickly!

{Malo is fired up, as he waits in wait for Redcap to get to his feet, as he does he scoops him up into a Fireman Carry, and goes to swing him around for a Cutter, but Redcap manages to land on his feet, before hitting a stiff Roundhound kick directly to the skull of Malo that knocks him out cold}

Terri Morasco: The tide is turning.

Vasco Dias: No man, has managed to stay in full control of this match, I honestly think it’s going to turn in who can hit that knockout shot first, There is no method, just two men laying it all out on the line to have a chance to make there names in the Heir to the Throne.

{Redcap pulls Malo up, and gets behind him, before lifting him up and dropping him on his back with a Belly to Back Suplex, Redcap looks at the ropes, runs off them as Malo is getting up, and jumps off the ropes without using his hands and jumps off with the Flicker Flash, but Malo catches him in mid-air once again, countering the aerial game as he plants him with a Michinoku Driver, smashing him into the mat and pulling the leg up into a pin!}

One!

Two!

{Once again Redcap kicks out, but slightly slower then before, as Malo is preparing is lifts up Redcap and plants him with a Cradle DDT before once again going for the pin!}

One!

Two!

{Redcap once again shows his heart kicking out besides taking many blows to his skull, Malo adjust his mask, as he is setting up as he backs out to the corner before charging forward, Redcap ducks down as Malo leaps over him, Malo grabs him and hits a O’Connor Roll going for the pin, but Redcap rolls thru before standing up, grabbing Malo and dropping him with the White Rabbit into the pin!}

One!

Two!

Malo kicks out!

Terri Morasco: Amazing action there, just comes to show you IWF has all the bases covered in terms of style!

{Both men get up, but Redcap once again hits another stiff kick to the skull of Malo, as he rolls backwards to the corner, as Malo is on his knees, adjusting his mask, as the kick not only knocked him to the mat, but sent his mask sideways, Redcap charges for the running Penalty kick, but Malo sidesteps and catches him in a schoolboy!}

Vasco Dias: That is exactly how Redcap lost to Jayson Matthews a few weeks ago!

{Malo holds him down as the referee counts}

One!

Two!}

Terri Morasco: Malo has pulled this one out!

Vasco Dias: No Redcap is able to actually get out of it this time!

{Redcap rolls to his feet, and goes for another stiff kick, but Malo has it well scouted and isn’t going to fall for the same trick a third time, He leaps up and wraps his legs around the head of Redcap and snaps him over with a Huracanrana, but Redcap simply cartwheels thru it, before hitting a spinning back fist. He hits the ropes himself, but Malo follows him and as soon as he turns sends him over the top rope and to the floor with a clothline!}

Terri Morasco: This is the most fight I ever seen El Grande Malo ever put up, usually when things get intense, he tends to falter a bit, but somehow he is keeping up with Redcap.

Vasco Dias: As we stated this is do or die for Malo, A loss here tonight basically eliminates him from the competion and a chance at being the Heir to the Throne!

{Redcap falls to the apron, then hits the floor. He is already getting up when Malo grabs the ropes and hits a modified dropkick thru the ropes, Malo slides back into the ring, getting a full head of steam and dives over the ropes, wiping himself and Redcap out with a Somersault Senton}

Terri Morasco: That was such a beautiful maneuver.

Vasco Dias: You know what is beautiful, that we haven’t seen? A Arm Bar!

{Malo throws Redcap back into the ring, and feeling the momutum swinging fully on his side, ramps up and waits, He comes charging as Redcap stands up, He leaps into the air Súper Último Ataque! NO! REDCAP COUNTERS IT INTO A SITOUT POWERBOMB, He doesn’t wait any time, realizing how Dangerous and motivated El Grande Malo is, and immediately slaps on the Samhain Stretch, as he torques the arm and elbow, as Malo is screaming in pain!}

Vasco Dias: It’s beautiful, finally a submission move!

Terri Morasco: That move is deadly, look at the way he is not only contorting the arm or Malo, but his entire body!

Vasco Dias: It’s the most beautiful thing ever.

{Malo is screaming in pain, but is doing everything he can to hold on, He tries reaching for the ropes, but is nowhere near them, The pain he is enduring is showing, even thru his mask, He tries to fight out of it, but he is in a extreme amount of pain}

Vasco Dias: I’m surprised how well Malo is hanging on!

Terri Morasco: He has too, He needs to win this, A Tap out victory him, not only results in a loss, but basically means he is tapping out in the Heir to The Throne Tournament.

{Malo screams out something in English but is barely audiable, Redcap Torques the arm even more, and Malo says something else, In Spanish this time…He tries to power out…But still nothing, He finally has to admit defeat and slaps the mat in frustration}

Vasco Dias: And with the most beautiful move I have ever seen, Redcap has picked up the victory. I don’t really care for Malo, but he show so much Heart.

Terri Morasco: He knew he had to hold on, but there are limits to what the human body can endure. He fought to the end, This will seemingly be the end of the Journey for El Grande Malo chances in Heir to the Throne.

Vasco Dias: And it might have bought new life into Redcap, With those Ten points, He will control his destiny next week. He might even be safe without competing.

{White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplace plays as Redcap releases the hold, and adjust his mask in victory. The official raises his hand before checking on Malo who is clutching his arm, Redcap just stares down at Malo, who looks depleted knowing his chances in Heir to the Throne are over, as he says something}

El Grande Malo: I wanted to do this for Best Amigo Steve.

{Malo goes to leave, but Redcap stops him, and slaps him on the back, showing he appreciated the fight, Malo lets out a smile and gives Redcap a huge hug, who relunctly pats his back and shoulder, his discomfort showing, but manages to lift the spirits, even for the moment for his opponent}

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VIDEO SEGMENT
IWF remembers

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{We go backstage to a pretaped video from Andrew Jacobsen. Andrew sits in front of the camera, a distant look on his face, and there’s something hollow in his voice as he speaks, never quite making eye contact with the camera.}

Andrew Jacobsen: There may come a day where I'll be able to sit here and tell you all the things about Michael Patrick Kane that I'd like to tell you...but right now, all I'm willing to say...is that Spike Kane was undoubtedly the hardest-working man in professional wrestling. The most dedicated and...totally absorbed in...the business of professional wrestling of anybody I've ever met. And that's...all I've really got to say at the moment. Astrid, Pandora, everyone who's grieving right now, my heart is with you. I just...I don't know. I don't know. Thank you.

{Andrew stands up, walking away with his hands in his pockets and a lost expression on his face.}

*

{We open to Xavier Cross, sitting in a folding chair somewhere in an isolated part of the locker room. His eyes are read, as he looks off to the right, shaking his head. He goes to speak, but his voice cracks a bit. Coughing a bit, he clears his throat.}

Xavier Cross: “What can I say? What can I sit here and say about Spike Kane? For the longest time, I held a lot of anger in my heart for Spike. He wasn’t the easiest guy to get along with in the back. Not at first. I came up, under the wing of his brother, Brad. Hell, I looked up to Brad Kane. But Spike, he was on another level...maybe it was professional jealousy…”

{Biting down on his lip, Cross quickly looks away as he chokes back on some tears. He holds up his hands, for a rare occasion they aren’t covered in gloves as we see two circular scars on the center of his palms.}

Xavier Cross: “I don’t think I’ll ever forget Spike, the things he did in that ring. I don’t think I’ll ever have a choice…”

{He chuckles softly.}

Xavier Cross: “I think in the last few months, Spike Kane lived his best life. Professionally and personally, at least from the outside. He had a lot on his shoulders, he always walked with the world on ‘em. But, he was doing something real, he was the champ, he was fighting...but he was also, loved, and loving. Pandora, Astrid, the small team of Kane’s...I’m so sorry from your loss.”

{Xavier Cross, keeps avoiding eye contact with the camera as we catch glimpses of tears rolling down his cheeks.}

Xavier Cross: “To me…”

{Cross coughs a bit, trying to compose himself.}

Xavier Cross: “When I think about wrestling, Spike Kane is what I think of. Maybe, Spike never saw me as a rival, but...I always saw him as a man to set the bar, that I wanted to reach. He was the one of the few people that when I was able to step in the ring with I got goosebumps…”

{He smiles a bit, looking up.}

Xavier Cross: “But...but...he-”

{And this is where he breaks down.}

Xavier Cross: “He ha-had to go now...I owed him one...he s-saved my life...and now...h-he’s g-g-gone…”

{Putting his hands over his eyes, Cross leans over, sobbing a bit.}

Xavier Cross: “It’s not fair…”

*

{Soft music plays. A collection of vlogs from youtube showing different fans taking to the internet to talk about Spike Kane.}

“Spike Kane Inspired me.”

“He took time to sign my shirt despite everything going on with his life.”

“He bought my gas once when I was short on money.”

“I never met him but he inspired me. His strength… Even if he wasn’t a good personal all the time I think he did good things.”

“He taught me to have faith in myself.”

“I honestly hoped it was a lie. That they’d announce he was okay. I honestly don’t know what to do. I feel like my dad died even though I don’t even know him. He was there when no one else was.”

{A Picture of Spike Kane standing with fans just before Lineage ends as the soft music ends.}

*

“Spike Kane was a friend. An Ally.”

{the camera comes on to Vivienne standing backstage.}

Vivienne Rodgers: I know Spike and I were not close. But he was an inspiration regardless. I am so sorry for the loss Dawn, Pandora, Astrid, hope and even Warren are going through right now. My thoughts are with you.

{ A select few of the twitter posts talking about Spike Kane’s life and what he meant to people are displayed on the screen.}

*

“He will be missed. We will never have someone like him again.”

{The camera goes to Pax, Nate and Nick sitting backstage.}

Nick Hunter: Uh… Listen, in the ring we and Spike didn’t really get on.

Nate Harris: Selling it mildly.

Pax Stormcrow: But we’re sorry for your loss. Lossing a parent, a partner or even a friend is never easy.

Nick Hunter: He always put on a good match.

*

{An image of the monument of flowers, cards, and a candle light vigil outside of the Kane Wrestling school with an overhead view of the amount of people gathered outside.}

------------------------------------

SINGLES MATCH
Ethan King v Nighthawk

------------------------------------

Ring Announcer Alison Valance: “This next contest is a singles match scheduled for one fall with a 60-minute time limit.”

{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, accompanied by his wife. 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 removes his suit - revealing his ring attire underneath - 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 settling into his corner.}

Alison Valance: “Introducing first, from Green Bay, Wisconsin and weighing in at 240 pounds…. ‘The Night’s King’ Ethan King!”

{As the ring announcer moves to a neutral corner the lights in the sold-out arena dim for just a moment as the opening strains of "I Remember (Bakusho Sengen Intro)" by Tristam boom out over the sound speakers, as Nighthawk walks to the ring confidently shaking hands with the crowd as he does so. Climbing up on the outside of the 2nd and 3rd turnbuckles the "Wrestling Machine" exhorts the crowd to make more and more noise before climbing into the ring and submitting himself to be checked out by the referee.}

Alison Valance: “And his opponent, from Chicago, Illinois and weighing in at 185 pounds…. ‘The Master of 1000 Holds’…… ‘The Wrestling Machine’ Nighthawk!”

Terri Morasco: “And after a tremendous end to the Best-of-5 series between himself and Pax Stormcrow, Nighthawk gets right back on the proverbial horse in a very tough challenge against Ethan King. And after what happened at Lineage, Nighthawk is not going to be in a mood to waste any time.”

Vasco Dias: “It was a brutal hard-fought match, Terri, but in the end, class told. Pax Stormcrow is a future superstar, and a future champion. Nighthawk told us so. Will tonight be the night we see him fall to another future champion in Ethan King?”

{As the referee finishes checking Nighthawk and Ethan King, finding no contraband of any kind on either man, the Wisconsinite takes a moment to patronizingly pat his smaller opponent on the top of the head who simply glares a hole through him in response before taping up his wrists. Moving to go for a collar-and-elbow lockup both men jockey for position until they find themselves tied up in a neutral corner where the referee quickly moves in to break them apart which he is able to do after quite a bit of negotiation and threats of disqualification. Going back to the collar-and-elbow lockup in the center of the ring both men push against each other until Ethan uses his power, and a well-timed pull of the hair out of the eyesight of the referee, to hit a tight side headlock takeover before he grinds the flat of his palm across the nose of the Chicagoan while still keeping the headlock tightly applied. Gritting his teeth as the dual forces of the tight headlock and Ethan King’s general gray-market tactics begin to do their work the “Wrestling Machine” begins to slowly rock his way out of the headlock until he can get free enough to hook in a flash fujiwara armbar, but is unable to get it fully applied before Ethan reaches out and grabs the bottom rope to force a break which he is given at the count of 4. Blinking his eyes as he rises to his feet Nighthawk immediately goes for a knucklelock and immediately goes chest-to-chest with the “Night King” as both men jockey against each other for position, only for Ethan to mockingly use his power advantage to push Nighthawk to his knees and hook in a tight standing headlock which he turns over into a seated rear chinlock, which he supplements by ripping at the nose and mouth of the “American Samurai” before forcing him to smile as he asks him to “smile for your fans, Captain Algren.” Crossing his ankles together as the referee asks him if he wants to quit Nighthawk wiggles his free hand in the face of Ethan King, who takes the bait only to be grabbed in a wristlock from the floor. But instead of going back to the arm the “Master of 1000 Holds” hauls off and lands a series of massive knife-edge chops to the chest followed by an incredibly sharp European uppercut which sends Ethan to the floor, hollering “If you want to play rough, so can I.”}

Terri Morasco: “And after some of the usual smooth mat wrestling we see from him, Nighthawk has decided to get rough. I don’t know if it was the rough tactics of Ethan King that started it, or if Nighthawk was just trying to show he wasn’t going to be pushed around, but whatever the reason….. Nighthawk isn’t here for it.”

Vasco Dias: “That has always been a common criticism of Nighthawk, that you can push him around and he won’t do anything to fight back. I think that’s not something you can say any longer.”

{But as the referee backs Nighthawk off Gwen climbs on the ring apron and yells at both of them while Ethan sneaks around the other side of the ring out of view of the referee before he slides under the bottom rope and lands a low blow that almost lifts Nighthawk off of his feet, before landing an absolutely massive Wildfire Suplex. Pulling Nighthawk up to a seated position the Wisconsinite lands a series of crossface forearms before again ripping at the nose and mouth until the referee breaks him at the count of 4. Driving a hard jumping knee drop right into the nose and mouth Ethan covers the Chicagoan and shoots a glare at the referee when he kicks out at 2. Picking him up by his long hair Ethan whips the “Wrestling Machine” into a corner before charging in with an attempt at a running European uppercut only to get caught with a superkick on the way in which sends him over the ropes to the floor. Seeing his opening Nighthawk goes for a bullet-style tope suicida only for the “Night King” to roll out of the way at the last minute, causing Nighthawk to hit face-first into the guardrail. Pulling himself up quickly, almost too quickly considering the damage he just took, Nighthawk staggers into the ring as Ethan licks his lips before hooking in the Long Night, as the “American Samurai” scrambles desperately to try and find an escape to this hold as Ethan continues to crank tighter and tighter on the dragon sleeper. But as the referee comes over to see if he wants to quit he lifts up Nighthawk’s arm and sees that it’s gone limp and immediately calls for the bell.}

Alison Valance: “Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the match, ‘The Night King’ Ethan King!”

{As the referee raises Ethan’s hand.}

------------------------------------

VIDEO SEGMENT
Recap of lineage

------------------------------------

{The screen starts black, with sparks rising up through it as though the camera is looking at the space over a campfire. After a few moments of silence, Warriors by Imagine Dragons begins to play as the scene shifts to aerial shots of Safeco Field, in Seattle Washington.}

Tyler Jacobs: Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to LINEAGE!

{There is a flash of light, and we immediately see the thousands of people cheering as the show began, with shots of the heavier spots in the match between Redcap and Thaddeus Bancroft. We see the two men going back and fourth before Redcap locks Thaddeus in the SAMHAIN STRETCH for the win!}

Vasco Dias: Redcap surging ahead in Heir to the Throne!

Terri Morasco: And this is just the preshow!

{Next, the battle between Xavier Cross and Jason Sandman, which started before the cameras even had a chance to start. We see the beginning of the match between these two, once friends – now rivals. We see Xavier struggling to save Cari’s ghost from sandman’s grasp – eventually doing so, but at the cost of the match.}

Vasco Dias: Lose the battle, win the war.

{Then we see shots of the match between Nighthawk and Pax Stormcrow, a 2 out of 3 falls match to end their best of five series. A masterclass in Technical wrestling as these two men fought to end their weeks-long struggle for dominance against one another, forcing one another to pull out all the stops to attain victory before, finally, Pax manages to land the third fall with the PEACE OUT!}

Terri Morasco: A huge win for Stormcrow! Proving to any doubters that he deserves to stand with the best of them!

{The next match was the grudge match between long rivals Steve Awesome and Cable Arcane, fighting one another in an MMA Cage Match. The battle is long and grueling as the two men battle for dominance, wrestling technique all but abandoned as the two simply resort to trying to pummel one another into paste. Eventually, however, we see Cable Arcane emerge victorious, standing tall over his beaten opponent as he levies out his punishment for the long weeks of belligerence… }

Cable Arcane: Steve Awesome…

Steve Awesome: No, I’ll do anything!

Cable Arcane: YOU ARE FIRED!

Steve Awesome: NOOOO!

{From there we move on to a recap of the brief but brutal match between Roberto Verona and James Gilmore, in a match that would determine the leader of the pack in the Heir to the Throne standings. The match was closer than anyone expected, but we see the REQUIESCAT IN PACE for the three-count!}

Terri Morasco: Roberto Verona is now in the lead in Heir to the Throne!

Vasco Dias: Considering he’s the legitimate champion, that’s the way it should be!

{Next we see the Luchadora Championship match between Alexis Caffrey and Vesna, intercut with a few shots of the two of them fighting one another at Last Rites to set up the tension for the match. The match is explosive and exciting, with lots of high flying offense as is fitting of the title – but eventually we see the Hall of Famer take down the Oncoming Storm with the Kiss Goodnight.}

Vasco Dias: And the first champion tested retains her title!

{After a few brief shots of the growing battle between Bob Pooler and The Oracle as the feud developed, we see the two men throwing themselves at one another over the Strong Style title, but the match ends abruptly as Oracle seems to completely lose it, eventually pushing against Pooler with enough reckless ferocity that the referee is forced to end the match via disqualification.}

Terri Morasco: A big loss for the Age of Gods!

Vasco Dias: Another title retained… but did Pooler really win?

{Unlike the last few matches, the shots of the leadup to the match between Hope and Vivienne is not one of anger, but of great mutual respect between the two competitors. However, that doesn’t cause the two to hold back against one another, with the two powerhouse competitors turning the battle for the Openweight Championship into something akin to a clash of titans, with both women delivering powerful sprints of offense that one might never expect from their smaller frames. Its one of the closest matches of the show, but eventually we see Hope managing to land the THUNDERSTRUCK, taking home the win.}

Terri Morasco: A huge win for Hope, but a hard end for the long-reigning Openweight Champion.

{Next is the Extreme Championship match being fought as the resolution to the long and heated feud between Angel Blake and Jayson Matthews. The match is long, intense, ruthless and bloody – with both men utterly shredded and brutalized at the end of it. However, after three consecutive GENOCIDE KICKS, Jayson goes down and GOD retains the title.}

Vasco Dias: The Age of Gods retains! God was too much for Jayson Matthews

{We see Brooklyn Madrox, Women’s World Champion for over half of the year, standing tall and proud as she stares down not one – but two opponents in the forms of Pandora Freeman-Kane-Hall and the Diamond in the Rough, Charity Crowne. The three women turn the ring into a whirlwind of speed and violence, all three of them trying to push the other two out of their comfort zones by forcing the match to go faster and faster, the frenetic pace almost impossible to keep up with… but the Little Bad Wolf pulls through, pulling Charity into a MCFLURRY leading into the BAMF for the three count!}

Terri Morasco: The Pack BARELY managing to hold on to their only remaining title… now all that’s to come is to see who wins – The Pack’s Most Loyal Dean Harper, or The Age of Gods’ Saint Michael?

{The music cuts out. Of the last match, we see very little. We see Spike and Dean entering the Dragon’s Den. We see the first match finish by double countout. We see Dean grabbing the briefcase from Joker in the Pack, and we see Dean walking up the ramp, grim-faced, with the belt on his shoulder. All of this is shown in silence…

MICHAEL PATRICK “SPIKE” KANE
1979-2018}

------------------------------------

BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Words From Mike Laszlo and Alexis Caffrey

------------------------------------

{The scene opens and the couple are sitting in front of a camera with the IWF Logo on one side of them and a picture of Spike Kane on the other side in the background. Mike is eerily silent, staring down at the ground, and it’s clear that Alexis had tears running down her face a moment or two earlier. Slowly, Mike picks his head up toward the camera.}

Mike Laszlo: You know, I’ve said it the last few weeks...we play characters. We’re superheroes and villains to the kids at home, and we’re larger than life entertainment for the adults. For twenty plus years, Spike Kane has been that man for many. As I went through other promotions, I heard of the man, but never had a chance to go one on one with him. I finally found myself in one of the promotions he was in, and I remember making it a point to watch his match, and instantly I was hooked. The moves he did, the words that came out of his mouth so pointed and precise amazed me.

{He takes a deep breath.}

Mike Laszlo: So naturally, I wanted to put my name in the hat. I wanted to test myself against one of the men who had been considered the best in this business for so long. I poked the bear on Twitter, and I got a couple of matches against him, around the time where IWF was just beginning, and to work with that man was an amazing experience.

{A slight smile is brought to his face, even in this tragic time.}

Mike Laszlo: And that’s where the line between character and person was. On camera, Spike was a ruthless bastard, and a badass man. Off camera, Michael Kane was a loving father, and in some ways a mentor. He was the constant professional, and he would welcome anyone to pick his brain in the back, and if you acted like an asshole, as many can attest...he made you pay for it. So thought Spike Kane the wrestler will never be forgotten, I know the man, Michael Kane will truly be missed.

{He goes silent as Alexis sucks up what courage she has to continue on in front of the camera.}

Alexis Caffrey: Spike was a champion. His work ethic, his ways of going about his craft were second to none, and it truly was inspiring to watch him. He was an example to me and many others in this company. He made me work hard because I didn’t want to let my co-workers down. He made me strive for greatness for fear of being left behind. I’m a champion once again today because of Spike Kane...a role model, a co-worker, and I hope he considers me a friend as much as I did him. I’ll miss you Spike. Don’t let anyone give you crap up there.

{The two reach down and grab a large sign and hold it up for the camera. It reads:}

REST IN POWER...SPIKE (MICHAEL) KANE!

{The scene fades.}

------------------------------------

SINGLES MATCH
James Gilmore v Mike Laszlo

------------------------------------
Alison Valance: The following is scheduled for one fall…

{Judas Priest's "Screaming for Vengeance" begins to play as jets of water shoot out from all directions. We then see James Gilmore stepping out onto the stage, headbanging to the classic speed metal tune, before posing to the crowd and walking down to the ring.}

Alison Valance: First, residing in Corpus Christi, Texas, weighing in at 205 pounds, JAAAMES GILLLLMOOOOORE!

Terri Morasco: He’s had some luck up until facing Roberto Verona in the Heir to the Throne.

Vasco Dias: Something tells me, that luck is about to run even further out.

Alison Valance: And his opponent…

{"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 boos from the crowd. Surveying the crowd, 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 boos again. 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: Mike also had momentum stopped by Verona recently, and looks to get back in the win column.

Vasco Dias: Judging from the words we heard earlier this week, and some of the Twitter comments, I don’t think Laszlo has ever sounded more viciously focused...if that makes any sense.

{The bell rings and the two step to the center of the ring where Gilmore offers his hand for a handshake. Mike looks from side to side and then at Gilmore with a smirk before slapping him right across the face.}

Terri Morasco: Well, that was uncalled for.

Vasco Dias: Did he really expect a handshake?

{Mike doesn’t take the time to admire his work as he unloads on Gilmore with a couple of right hands, backing him into the corner where he continues to unload as the referee starts counting, pulling Mike out of the corner when things get too borderline. Mike backs up with his hands up and as the referee turns to check on Gilmore, Mike walks up, reaches over the referee and slaps Gilmore again.}

Terri Morasco: Blatant disrespect from Mike.

Vasco Dias: I love it.

{Mike laughs as he’s backed away and admonished by the referee. Gilmore looks over his shoulder, rubbing his cheek, a fierce look on his face as he explodes out of the corner, taking Mike down and starts unloading on him with right hands. Eventually Mike gets Gilmore off of him and rolls out to the ringside area. He collects himself as Gilmore looks at the ropes, then back at Laszlo as the crowd start to ramp up. Gilmore bounces off the ropes and goes to dive through the middle and top rope, but Laszlo sees him coming and stops him with a vicious forearm that leaves Gilmore dangling on the middle rope. Mike holds his jaw, feeling the shots from the Texan earlier. He looks at Gilmore dangling on the rope and a smirk crosses his face. He grabs Gilmore around the head.}

Terri Morasco: No! Not from there...you’ll break his neck.

Vasco Dias: That’s one way to get him off Twitter…

Terri Morasco: You’re sick.

{Mike positions himself, looking for the “Executioner” Cutter onto the apron, or perhaps the floor, but we’ll never know as Gilmore hits a few crossfaces, breaking Mike’s grip. Mike stumbles, holding his face as Gilmore grabs hold of the ropes and slides through the middle and bottom rope with a front dropkick, shooting Mike back into the barricade. Gilmore finishes his slide to the outside as Mike collapses into a seated position. Gilmore sees an opening and charges with a little extra speed and drives his knee and thigh into Mike’s face, collapsing the Clevelander to the floor.}

Terri Morasco: And now Gilmore is showing an aggressive side.

Vasco Dias: That’s because his life probably flashed before his eyes.

{Gilmore pulls Mike up to his feet by the head and pulls him toward the ring. He slams his face on the apron, then pushes him in, following and hooking the leg for a two count. Gilmore though, doesn’t seem to mind as he doesn’t waste time pulling Laszlo to his feet before shooting him into the ropes, and upon Mike’s return, lifts him up and drives him into the mat with a Samoan Drop, again hooking the leg as he leans back on the cover.

ONE! TWO! TNOOOO!}

Terri Morasco: Gilmore was mere moments from what some might consider an upset here.

Vasco Dias: I know I would say so. I’d also say it was more than “moments” Terri, don’t get ahead of yourself.

{In a seated position, Gilmore looks down at Laszlo and then up at the top turnbuckle. He does it again, and again, the quickness getting more and more intense as the crowd urges him on. He gets to his feet and heads up to the top turnbuckle. He stands up straight and looks at Laszlo who hasn’t moved much since the Samoan Drop. Gilmore leaps, his arms spread wide for a Diving Headbutt...LASZLO MOVES OUT OF THE WAY!

Gilmore is on all fours, grasping at his ribs. He leans back on his knees grabbing his head as well, but that doesn’t stop Mike from bouncing off of the ropes and hitting James right in the side of the head with the “SHOT OF MALICE!” (Running Knee Strike)

Mike falls on James for the cover, hooking the leg...ONE! TWO! THRJAMES KICKS OUT!}

Vasco Dias: What!?

Terri Morasco: James showing the heart that Mike said he lacked!

{Mike looks over at James, clearly disgusted. He stands to his feet and signals for the end of the match. He pulls Gilmore to his feet and kicks him in the gut. He lifts James up, possibly for the Malicious Intent but James slithers down his back and runs to the ropes. Mike turns and James is up with a Headscissor Takedown INTO A TRIANGLE CHOKE!}

Terri Morasco: He calls that the Wipeout!

Vasco Dias: Yeah, but that hold would have been better in the center of the ring!

{As indicated by Vasco, the two are close to the ropes thanks to the momentum of the move. Mike is able to drape his foot over the bottom rope resulting in the break of the hold, though Gilmore waits for that famous four seconds.

Gilmore releases and Mike is on his knees catching his breath. He pulls himself up with the ropes, his back to Gilmore. James moves in and jumps up onto Mike’s shoulders, looking for his patented “Reverse Blast”.

Mike though drops to his knees, falling forward, draping James’ throat over the top rope. Mike gets out from under James who is gasping for air as he turns around to a kick to the gut. Mike lifts him up and drives his knee into his face, James falling to the center of the ring, out like a light from the Malicious Intent!}

Terri Morasco: A great counter by Laszlo.

Vasco Dias: And that’s why it pays to have ring awareness.

{Mike drops down for the cover…

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

The bell rings.}

Alison Valance: Here is your winner...MIKE...LASSSSZLOOOO!

{Mike’s hand is raised in victory as “Cult of Personality” blares throughout the arena. Alexis enters the ring to celebrate as Gilmore rolls out of the ring.}

Terri Morasco: A great effort by Gilmore, but on this night it wasn’t enough.

Vasco Dias: I didn’t know if Mike could back up his talk, but he got the win tonight, and that’s what matters most.

{As Mike and Alexis make their way up the ramp, the scene fades.}

------------------------------------

IN-RING SEGMENT
Age of God

------------------------------------

{ The arena lights go dark as "A Council of Wolves and Snakes" begins to play. The crowd goes quiet baited with anticipation for the arrival of God. A pale image slowly becomes visible on the screen, then a shadow, two shadows, three shadows to either side of the pale visage. Dark orbs appear, flutter, a low growl is heard. }

"The Horde has taken from me my greatest warrior. The General of my armies..."

{ One shadow in particular steps forward as the terrible grin of the Lord becomes more clear. }

"But he was only a vessel to be occupied."

{ Snow white hands slowly lower a dark hood. }

"Though Spike Kane has died, Saint Michael lives."

{ Revealing the face of Dawn Halliwell, behind her is the Oracle as well as Freya Kane, each smiling sinisterly. }

"There will be an eye for an eye. There will be a tooth for a tooth. There will be BLOOD for BLOOD!"

{ Dawn steps in front of God and cocks her head. }

"ALL BLOODY HAIL!"

{ The arena lights flash bright, blinding the crowd as the music kicks back in. }

"WE ARE GODS!"
"HERE FOR THE TAKING!"
"Yield to the Dragon's embrace."
"WE ARE GODS!"
"Yield to the Dragon's embrace."

------------------------------------

TAG TEAM MATCH
Christina Rose & Ciara O'Connor v Dawn Halliwell & Hope FHK

------------------------------------

Alison Valance: The Following tag-team Match is scheduled for ONE FALL!

Terri Morasco: tonight will certainly be an interesting match. We have two of Spike Kane’s daughters on one side and the heel faction BFC on the other.

Vasco Dias: the only pity here is that Charity Crowne is not in this match. After she was robbed of that victory for the Women’s World title championship she deserves to be here.

Terri Morasco: I’m sure you’ll still get to see her accompany the others out to the ring.

{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 Charity Crowne enters first flanked by Christina Rose 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 Christina strike a pose. As the three of them walk further down Ciara walks ahead to push down the center rope to allow Charity and Christina to walk through. In the ring all three strike a pose before going to their corner of the ring. Christina stands in the ring while Ciara stands on the apron and Charity stands on the outside.}.

Alison Valance: Out first, representing the Best Friends Club…. Christina Rose and Ciara O’Connor!

Terri Morasco: Things seem tense on the BFC side of things. Christina recently lost control to Charity.

Vasco Dias: Best Friends Club is fine.

Terri Morasco: How can you be so sure?

Vasco Dias: Charity Crowne said so on her Instagram.

Terri Morasco: Why am I not surprised you know that…

{ Lights dim as the opening riffs to Shoot to Thrill hit, and flashes of white light begin to pulse along with the music as it picks up pace. The stage fills with dry ice as Dawn steps out from backstage, smiling manically and rocking out to the music. She points to the crowd and tries to get them pumped up. When the chorus hits, she raises her fists in the air as she lets out a shout of excitement punctuated by a blast of simple white pyro around her. She holds that pose until the second iteration of "Shoot to Thrill" in the chorus, at which point she charges into the ring and slides in, spinning with the momentum to her feet as she urges the crowd to get to their feet and rock along with her. After a few moments she will settle into her corner.}

Alison Valance: Out next, representing the Age of Gods… Dawn Halliwell!

Terri Morasco: Dawn recently took her father’s mantle of being the blood God. Any thoughts on that Vasco?

Vasco Dias: At least it’s being kept in the family. Dawn has made a splash here. She gave Brooklyn a run for her money when she fought her for the women’s world title championship. She’s earned the title. Personally I wouldn’t want to be in the ring with that unchecked rage.

{The lights go out and strobe lights flash wildly as Babymetal’s “Megitsune” blasts through the sound system. Slowly the stage fills with smoke and as the music builds to a crescendo a spotlight shines down on Hope Freeman-Hall-Kane one on knee at the top of the ramp. She rises and throws her arms out sideways as the lights flash on and off. Hope makes her way towards the ring, steel faced, preparing for what is to come. She rolls through the bottom rope and to a knee once more before throwing her arms out again as she rises to a huge cheer from the crowd.}

Alison Valance: and last but not least, the current Open Weight Champion… Hope Freeman-Hall-Kane!

Terri Morasco: Hope recently ended Vivienne’s run as Open Weight Champion. She was fairly close to breaking the record. It will be interesting to see the run Hope has with it.

Vasco Dias: I for one am happy Vivienne’s run is over.

Terri Morasco: Why is that? Because she beat Charity Crowne so many times?

Vasco Dias: Eternity deserves to still hold that record.

{Hope and Dawn have a quick conversation before Hope stands in the ring with Dawn on the outside glaring across the ring where Ciara is standing outside the ring, waving mockingly.}

Terri Morasco: We will be having Hope and Christina starting this match.

Vasco Dias: Christina is a veteran of this business. Even if Hope is a champion right now.

{The ref looks between both sides before signaling for the bell. Christina hits Hope with a Diving Hurricarana knocking Hope down to the mat. Christina laughs and kicks Hope while she is down.}

Terri Morasco: A strong start from Christina

Vasco Dias: She is a veteran even if she is going by a different name

{Christina looks to be going for another move when Hope bounces up and hits Christina with an arm bar and drops them both to the mat. Christina struggles to get out of the hold but hope seems to only lock it in further.}

Terri Morasco: Hope locking in that Arm bar is impressive.

Vasco Dias: I guess she has been learning some of the moves from the Kane wrestling school.

{Christina’s flailing manages to hook a leg on the ropes. The ref tell Hope to drop the hold and she does. Christina rubs her arm before looking back at Ciara and marching over, pointing at Hope and Dawn. Ciara rolls her eyes and extends her hand out to be tagged in. Christina hits her hand and climbs out of the ring as Ciara enters with a grin.}

Terri Morasco: Now it’s Ciara and Hope.

Vasco Dias: Ciara bravely said some pretty awful things leading up to this match. I imagine there is going to be some heated exchanges here.

{Hope frowns before springing across the mat with a Diving clothesline knocking the irish women down to the mat. Hope picks her up and she hits Ciara with a Tilt-a-whirl backbreaker sending her down to the mat.}

Terri Morasco: Amazing moves from Hope here.

Vasco Dias: Ciara can still get out of this.

{Hope goes for the pin
1
2
KICK OUT!}

Terri Morasco: Kick out form Ciara here.

Vasco Dias: You can’t put someone like Ciara down like that.

{Hope waits for Ciara to get back to her feet before hitting her with a Enziguri.}

Terri Morasco: Ciara down again.

Vasco Dias: she can get up from that. Trust me, Terri.

{Ciara lifts herself up and hits Hope with a Toe stomp, making Hope back off. Ciara hits her with a Legsweep. She barely waits for hope to get up before hitting her with a Broken Hymn.}

Terri Morasco: Ouch. Not a good sign for Hope.

Vasco Dias: Yes! Things are turning around.

{Hope rolls across the ring, standing up in her corner maintaining eye contact with Ciara before offering her hand to her half-sister who takes the tag.}

Terri Morasco: Here comes Dawn.

Vasco Dias: Ciara tag Christina back in. Quickly.

{ Dawn enters the ring and she yells something at Ciara that isn’t picked up by the mic. Ciara laughs motioning her forward.}

Terri Morasco: apparently Ciara wants to fight Dawn just as much as Dawn wants to fight her.

Vasco Dias: I am not going to like this…

{Ciara hits Dawn with a High kick to the torso sending her back slightly but Dawn gets back up quicker then Ciara clearly expected because Dawn hits her with a German Suplex knocking her into the turnbuckle.}

Terri Morasco: Ouch. That was a solid hit there.

Vasco Dias: Ciara seems a little dazed.

{Dawn grabs her by the hair and drags her away before putting Ciara into the Snap Suplex. Dropping her and then hitting her with a Bridging Tiger Suplex.}

Terri Morasco: this could turn into a pin if Dawn’s smart about it.

Vasco Dias: hopefully she’s not.

{Ciara struggles against the hold to keep herself from being pinned.}

Terri Morasco: Ciara’s keeping her shoulders up while Dawn keeps that bridge up.

Vasco Dias: She’s a pro, Terri.

{Christina looks to charity and the deranged look in Dawn’s eyes and hesitantly looks like she’s going to enter the ring but the Ref catches her.}

Terri Morasco: Christina tried at least.

Vasco Dias: could have been quicker.

{Dawn drops Ciara to the mat to catch her breath.}

Terri Morasco: What’s going on here?

Vasco Dias: Who can say?

{Dawn seems to be struggling suddenly, stepping back and then stepping forward before stepping back.}

Terri Morasco: Is…Is Dawn okay?

Vasco Dias: I have no idea.

{Dawn grabs Ciara and puts her in THE LIVINGDEAD GIRL.}

Terri Morasco: This might be the end of Ciara here.

Vasco Dias: Oh no.

{Ciara is struggling hard in the hold as Dawn looks directly in the camera and something seems to pass behind her eyes.}

Terri Morasco: did you see that?

Vasco Dias: nope. No. I saw nothing.

{Dawn drops the hold and stands up.}

Terri Morasco: What is Dawn doing here? That is her main finisher….

Vasco Dias: I have an idea.

{Just as Ciara is getting up Dawn hits her with a THUNDERSTRUCK!}

Terri Morasco: her father’s finisher…

Vasco Dias: given what Ciara was saying it makes sense…

{ Dawn goes for the pin
1
2
3!!}

Alison Valance: Winner by pin fall… DAEWN HALLIWELL AND HOPE FREEMAN-HALL-KANE!

Terri Morasco: With her conflicted nature there I’m surprised she went for that move.

Vasco Dias: It’s to honor her father. It makes sense to end the main event on this show with it.

{Hope gets into the ring and seems to be talking to Dawn who nods dropping Ciara. Hope seems to be checking on her half sister.}

Terri Morasco: Seems Hope is worried too.

Vasco Dias: She’s fine. See how fine she looks.

{The ref holds up Dawn and Hope’s hands in the air with a mix of their two themes playing through the system.}

Terri Morasco: A good victory for Hope and Dawn here. Amazing team work from both of them.

Vasco Dias: Doesn’t hurt that Dawn was a little unhinged there.

{Charity drags Ciara’s body out of the ring as Christina jumps off the apron and goes for the ramp. Dawn takes her hand away from the ref and goes after the BFC much to Hope’s confusion.}

Terri Morasco: Oh no.

Vasco Dias: This is not going to end well for anyone.

{As the BFC is rushing up the ramp to avoid Dawn who is not letting up in her pursuit, suddenly the music cuts and changes to “War Eternal” by Arch Enemy, causing Dawn to skid to a stop as a women steps onto the ramp to stare down Dawn as Christina rushes past with Charity dragging Ciara. }

Terri Morasco: Who is that with the BFC?

Vasco Dias: Amber Cooke. From Combat wrestling. This certainly is a debut for her.

{Hope grabs Dawn’s arm to keep her from going after Amber as Amber takes a few steps backwards disappearing backstage before Dawn rushes backstage with Hope following.}

Vasco Dias: Well, with that I believe that this is the end of Monday Night Sacrifice…

Terri Morasco: thank you for joining us on this memorial show for Spike Kane and we will see---

{The camera pans to the announcer’s booth where it appears the mic’s sound has been cut.}

------------------------------------

IN-RING SEGMENT
Blood in the water

------------------------------------

{Suddenly the lights in the arena go out and when they come back on Dean Harper is standing in the center of the ring with the Men’s world title around his waist as he stands with a mic in hand.}

Dean Harper: We can end in just a moment but I have something to say quick.

{the crowd is eerily silent as if not sure what to do about this turn of events.}

Dean Harper: We’ve heard a lot from everyone involved in the week since Lineage. Lots of words and outpouring of support and love to those in mourning. Old guard have been pouring out of the wood work to and I just want to give a quick aside to that... I have no problem answering anyone who feels raw about what happened in the ring. At least Rob Diamond had the balls to step out from behind a keyboard. You want to come for me, then come for me.

{Dean smirks at the camera.}

Dean Harper: But let’s address the reason we are all here. The reason that this company is honoring tonight. The reason for an entire month being devoted to one single man…

{Dean waits a beat.}

Dean Harper: I’m sorry he died on live TV. I’m sorry he died where Warren and the rest of his family had to watch. I’m even sorry that this is going to exist on the internet and the network and has become a meme for unoriginal fucks to get a reaction.

{Dean points behind him as a flash of a couple different Trent Helms tweets appear on the screen, the lights from the screen show security gathering to take Dean out of the ring but the world champion ignores them.}

Dean Harper: But that’s none of my business…

{Dean sits on the ropes, smiling casually.}

Dean Harper: But if you want me to say sorry, he died?

{Dean shakes his head, ‘no’. The crowd reacts angrily booing loudly.}

Dean Harper: I didn’t make Jack Gaither a saint and I’m not acknowledging Pet as one either. I hated him when he was alive and that doesn’t change just because he’s been shuffled off the mortal coil.

{Dean winks at the camera.}

Dean Harper: But sure—

{Suddenly Dean is pulled down from the apron, the camera switches angels hurriedly and we see God throwing Dean into the steel steps. Dean rolls slightly hoping up with a cocky grin. Dean moves to return the favor to God but security is suddenly in between the two of them, pulling God up the ramp and keeping Dean near the ring before the feed cuts.}

Sabin / Madjinn: I hereby request a notion that the TV championship records be retired, and thus, the Gladiators Championship starts anew! That way J-TV will never break my record! Jun 10, 2024 17:11:47 GMT

J-TV: It's gonna be a cold day in hell before you take this TV Title away from me. I bet I look damned good with two belts though. Jun 10, 2024 10:02:08 GMT