------------------------------------
SEGMENTNot in your game
------------------------------------
{The scene opens with Gregor Winter sitting in an oversized leather recliner. His face is red and blistered. His normally crazy beard is trimmed neatly. A scowl is present on his normal jovial face.}Lucipher Crosse you really think a couple of fireballs from Thing One and Thing Two could slow me down? All it did was singe my beard and piss me off. I've had worse sunburns than this, but for some reason the IWF medical staff thinks second degree burns is a good reason for me to have to sit at home and watch the show from my comfy chair.
{Winter pats the armrest of his chair.}So this week Iām being a good little Viking and staying home and putting my feet up. I'm enjoying a couple of cold ones and I just ordered an extra large pizza with everything. Next week though, I'm bringing my belt to Connecticut and sticking one of these big sized fifteens up somebody's ass. I don't care if it's Nick Knight, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, or you Crosse. I am in a bad mood and somebody's going to pay.
{The sound of a doorbell can be heard in the background.}Now if you'll excuse me my pizza is here.
------------------------------------
SINGLES MATCH1K RP Word Limit
Amber Cooke vs Kai Sachiko
------------------------------------
{As soon as Rebel Girl - Bikini Kill turns on Kai Sachiko is rushing the ramp. She will stand on the ring post and point to herself while talking in her native tongue before pounding on her shoulder to show she is ready to go.}Alison Valance: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Osaka, Japan, weighing in at 136 pounds, Kai Sachiko!
Terri Morasco: The ever-violent Kai Sachiko looking to welcome the newest returnee to the IWF roster back in a way that both women are going to be quite familiar with!
Vasco Dias: To call this match bruising is going to be a disservice.
{The guitars of "The World Is Yours" start up and the arena is bathed in lights for a minute before Amber comes stalking as the first main riff kicks in, walking at medium pace and pausing in the middle of the ramp.}Alison Valance: And her opponent! From Stillwater, Minnesota, weighing in at 140 pounds, making her return to IWF! Amber! COOKE!
Terri Morasco: The woman who was the muscle of the Best Friends Club, Amber Cookeās spent time overseas sharpening her skills, and she looks to return with a bang tonight!
Vasco Dias: Japanese violence is a language that Kai and Amber can both speak, and I expect to see them speak a concussive feast tonight.
{She takes in the surroundings before she circles the ring with the occasional slam of the mat in time with the drums before hopping the ring apron and actually hyping the crowd up some and then jumping over the top rope to spin the center of the ring and the find a corner as she disrobes.}Terri Morasco: Two dangerous powerhouses colliding in the middle of the ring tonight! Who will survive?
{The bell rings, and Kai offers a handshake to Amber, who eyes it suspiciously. Kai insists, sticking her hand out again, and Amber takes it after a moment, nodding as the two women exchange a few words. Amber pops a mouthguard in as the two women circle each other, and they shoot in for a lock-up, Amber quickly using her height advantage to drag Kai into a tight side headlock. Kai backs Amber into the ropes, shooting her off, and when Amber comes back with a shoulder block Kai remains standing, shouting in Japanese at her. Amber nods with a smirk, coming off for a second shoulder block. Kai absorbs the hit, shouting again, and Amber beckons her on, Kai hitting the ropes and delivering her own tackle that Amber stands tall on. The two women grin, both hitting the ropes, and they mutually collide, taking a moment of acknowledgement before Amber lights Kai up with a forearm. Kai returns the shot, and the two women begin to exchange big shots in the center of the ring!}Terri Morasco: A little test of fortitude turning into a fists-flying striking match here!
Vasco Dias: As I said, Japanese violence. This kind of stand and strike exchange is all too common over there, and itās going to test both of these women as regards their endurance!
{Amber racks a forearm down into Kai, who replies with a European uppercut. Amber comes back with a headbutt, staggering Kai, who replies with a stumble back into the ropes and a leaping forearm as she comes off. Amber stumbles back and runs forward into a lariat that staggers Kai, and it becomes clear that each shot is fueling the other womanās arsenal. A lariat from Kai feeds into another step-in headbutt from Amber, feeds into a high dropkick from Kai, feeds into a big boot from Amber, feeds into a withering chop from Kai, and they begin to exchange wilting chops back and forth. After one, Kai staggers back, clutching her chest, and Amber bulls her into the corner with a shoulder, slamming it into her midsection again and again. Kai slumps in the corner, and Amber unloads a volley of stomps, crushing Kai into the bottom turnbuckle before being separated out by the referee.}Terri Morasco: And itās clear that it hasnāt dulled her aggression to be away any! Amber Cooke, opening UP with those strikes!
Vasco Dias: Look at that! Look at Kai! Sheās SMILING!
{Indeed, thereās a wincing smile on Kaiās face as she hauls herself up. Amber stalks in, only for Kai to pull her into the top turnbuckle with a handful of tights. Kai immediately lights up Amberās lower back, railing it with forearm strikes before capping it with a high dropkick to the back of the neck. Amber bounces back from the turnbuckles, stumbling back, and Kai hits the ropes, only for Amber to dodge to the adjacent ropes. Kai skids to a halt in confusion halfway across the ring, leaving her lined up perfectly for the INTERCEPTOR! NO! Kai gets an upkick that stumbles Amber, slipping to the ropes, and taking a deep breath before springboarding in for a hurricanrana THAT GETS COUNTERED INTO THE AIRBURST SIT-OUT POWERBOMB!}Terri Morasco: WHAT A MOVE! Amber Cooke plucked Kai Sachiko right out of the air!
Vasco Dias: Cooke has always been savvy about the ring, and part of that is knowing how to use your spacing!
{Amber holds on for the cover! ONE! TWO! THRāKICKOUT! Not wanting to give her a second to breathe, Amber scoops Kaiās arms as she rolls back, underhooking them and lifting her high, HIGH in the air before bringing her crashing down with the HANO DRIVER! Amber underhooks Kaiās leg, planting her forearm in her face! ONE! TWO! THREE! The bell rings, and Amber gets to her feet as āThe World Is Yoursā booms over the PA.}Alison Valance: Here is your winner, Amber Cooke!
Terri Morasco: Talk about a reintroduction! Amber Cooke threw some heavy leather in there, and Iām pretty sure she took just as well as she gave!
Vasco Dias: Those welts on her chest tell the entire story. Kai Sachiko is a madwoman, and Iām not sure Amber can be all there after taking that kind of punishment!
{Amber offers a hand down to Kai, who reaches up from the mat. Tugging the Japanese woman to her feet, the two exchange a few words before Amber turns and walks through the ropes, hopping to the floor and walking to the back with a wincing smile on her face.}------------------------------------
SEGMENTThe future of Rob Diamond is addressed
------------------------------------
{ The lights in the arena start to strobe pink as music begins to play. }"I stand alone
Guess I knew it all along
Yes I knew that you were wrong
How you left when I was down"
{ "Inside Out" by Five Finger Death Punch hits the PA at full blast as Rob Diamond comes strutting out from behind the curtain. He stops at the top of the stage and throws up his right hand with the devil horns salute before hitting a major crotch chop! }Take it, I don't need it
I don't wanna hear your motherfuckin' side
You can love it or you can leave it
Because nothing I say and nothing I feel is right
Alison Valance: On his way to the ring, weighing in at two hundred and five pounds, he is the BLOOD SOAKED CINDERELLA OF PRO WRESTLING!!! ROB DIAMOND!!!!
{ Rob looks out into the crowd with a big smirk as they cheer for him. Rob marches toward the ring to the beat of the song. Once he reaches the ring he runs up the steps and hops right into the ring doing a little spin before running up to the ropes, putting one foot on the second rope and throwing up the metal horns nodding his head. He spins off the ropes and stands in the center of the ring. }Terri Morasco: We have been waiting weeks now to find out what the future holds for Rob Diamond now that he has gotten his job back with IWF!
Vasco Dias: I was fine with him being gone but I guess itās cool to get an answerā¦
Terri Morasco: Can you not be an asshole for five minutes?
Vasco Dias: I can. I wonāt.
{ Rob stands in the center of the ring with a microphone in hand as the crowd chants for him. }Rob Diamond: Iād just like to start off by sayingā¦ CONGRATULATIONS JAMES GILMORE!!!
{ The crowd pops for James. }Rob Diamond: When he first came to the IWF I wasnāt sure how I felt about the kid. But as time went by and I got to know him I came to love that little SOB. And now? Now heās gone and accomplished his dream and became IWF World Champion. Iām proud to call that man my friend.
{ Rob takes a moment. }Rob Diamond: Just like Iām proud to call Steve Awesome a friend. Heās had a hell of a year. But in the end his heart of gold shone through and he went down fighting like the goddamn hero I always knew he was! Steve may be down for now but heās not out and Verona has a big old kick to the nuts courtesy of Steve Awesome coming his way!
Vasco Dias: I donāt think so.
Terri Morasco: Youāve been wrong before.
Vasco Dias: This time Steve is gone forever!
{ Rob looks out at the crowd and just takes it in for a moment. }Rob Diamond: So now we come to me and my future with IWF. Since Steve lost I was given my contract back. Iām once again a member of the IWF rosterā¦ Thing isā¦ Wellā¦ Iām pregnantā¦
{ There is audible gasp from the crowd. }Vasco Dias: Wait, what!?
Terri Morasco: Oh my god!
Rob Diamond: Thatās right! The Misses and I are expecting only itās me whoās gonna carry the kid. I wonāt bore you with the science, just wikipedia the movie Junior for a quick explanation.
Vasco Dias: That movie sucks!
Terri Morasco: Itās better than Twins!
Vasco Dias: Blasphemy!
Rob Diamond: And with that being said I wonāt be able to compete in IWF for the near future and for the first time since this company opened. But fear not, I have it on good authority another Diamond will be taking my place in this companyā¦ And if youāre not down with that I only got two words for yaā¦ SUCK IT!!!
{ The crowd yells along as Robās music hits. }Vasco Dias: Another Diamond!? Who is he talking about!?
Terri Morasco: Could he mean one of his parallel universe Robās!?
Vasco Dias: Or maybe even lady Spike!?
Terri Morasco: Or even his brother!?
Vasco Dias: I guess we will have to wait and see.
{ Rob pops out of the ring to shake the hands of all the fans ring side as we head to a commercial break. }------------------------------------
SINGLES MATCHJessica Reed vs Yusumi Mitsu------------------------------------
{When Rondo- Revolution by Shoko Nakagawa hits she comes skipping down the ramp, blowing kisses and poses on the ropes}Terri Morasco: What an opportunity for Yusumi here tonight!
Vasco Dias: Does she actually know what she has got herself into here?
Terri Morasco: She could make a name for herself.
Vasco Dias: In the emergency room waiting list, sure.
{Die Young by Ke$ha hits the PA system as fans begin to book and a stream of IWF security personnel line up along the ramp flank Jessica Reed as she emerges wearing a black hoodie. Jess stares down at the ring and doesnāt even blink before slowly marching her way down the ramp, surrounding by her entourage. Jess climbs up to the apron and ignore the crowd around her, walking over the corner where she grabs the ropes to stretch her legs whilst staring down at the mat, throwing a few air punches as she prepares for the match. }Terri Morasco: I barely even recognise Jessica, what has happened to her?
Vasco Dias: She finally decided to stop being pushed around. I admire that.
Terri Morasco: Perhaps, but at what cost?
{ The bell rings and Yusumi excitedly rushes over to Jess with glee reaching out a hand. Jess turns and looks at her, staring down at the hand, her hood still up. Yusumi mouths āthis is a little awkwardā before looking away for a split secondā¦ only to eat a stiff right hand from Jess! Yusumi doesnāt quite know what has hit her as Jess walks after her, grabbing her by the hair, turning her around and pulling her into a clothesline. As Yusumi hits the mat Jess looks down at her, pulling the hood off before picking her up and grabbing her head under her arm before planting her with a DDT. }Vasco Dias: Jess isnāt hanging around.
Terri Morasco: This doesnāt feel very sportingā¦
Vasco Dias: She didnāt refuse her hand, she just took advantage of Yusumiās naivety, think of this as a learn exercise.
{ Jess spots Yusumi getting up and leaps up to hit her with a pinpoint top rope enziguri which sends the plucky anime girl straight back down to the mat. Wasting no time Jess senses an opening, she rushes to the turnbuckle, climbs to the top and throws herself into the air to hit a top rope flipping leg drop. Not satisfied that the job is quite done she picks Yusumi up and plants her with a Snap, Crackle and Pop armbar which forces Yusumi to tap as Jess immediately releases the hold. }Vasco Dias: A decisive victory from Jessica Reed in her first fight in some months.
Terri Morasco: That is what experiences gets you, ruthless precisionā¦ but this still seems so off to meā¦
{ Jess sits by Yusumi who clutches her arm, bowing her head between her knees for a second before turn to look at her opponent. She rolls over and gets on her knees and shuffles over to Yusumi and raises her fistā¦ only to offer her an outstretched hand. Yusumi hesitates for a moment before reaching out with her good arm, Jess lifts her up to her feet and pats her on the shoulder before turning around as her music begins to play. }Vasco Dias: You were saying? Is that not sporting enough for you?
Terri Morasco: Obviously it is butā¦
Vasco Dias: Hang on a moment, Jess appears to be asking for a microphone!
{ Yusumi is helped out of the ring by the official as Jess collects a microphone before pacing around the ring. She seems conflicted for a few moments, not quite sure she is ready to speak but when a few more seconds elapse, she gently raises the mic to her lips. }Jessica Reed: Whyā¦
{ Jess whispers softly to herself, her grip tightening around the microphone as her lip curls in disgust. She scoffs to herself, shaking her head. }Jessica Reed: Oh, how entitled you areā¦ but then, itās always about you, isnāt it Fiona.
{ Jess looks up and stares into the camera. }Jessica Reed: Always the victim, itās never your faultā¦ right? Youāre just trying to do your best and āthe machineā keeps on holding you down. You always stand up for the little guyā¦ always stand up forā¦
{ Jess pauses and looks away for a second. }Jessica Reed: You know, maybe one timeā¦ I would have believed that. When I walked down that ramp and put my neck on the line by declaring that what Rowan did to you was abhorrent and had no place in the businessā¦ I felt like I could rely on you to be by my side. I thought I could rely on you to have my back, to watch out for me and to be this amazing āsisterā little Jimmy Gilmore loves to brag about whenever heās deflecting from your mistakes.
{ Jess shakes her head. }Jessica Reed: Butā¦ itās all a lieā¦ isnāt it, Fiona? You wear victimhood like I wear cosplays, you hide behind it because you knowā¦ deep down, youāre nothing more than a hypocrite.
{ Jess stares into the camera. }Jessica Reed: You know, when I sink myself into a character, it isnāt to hide who I am, it isnāt to fool people, but youā¦ you? Youāre always wearing a mask, Fiona, always playing a character and the sad thing isā¦ youāve so invested in it that you actually believe it.
{ Jess laughs. }Jessica Reed: Iāve heard it all, Iāve betrayed everybody, Iāve turned my back on my core values, Iāve turned my back on all the little girls I was so desperate to inspire but the truth is, Iām not the bad girl here. You canāt possibly comprehend that maybe, perhaps, just a little bitā¦ you kinda deserved what you have had coming to you. I know what youāre thinking, Fiona, Iām just another pawn in Robertoās game but thatās because you canāt operate outside the simple world of black and white. Berto didnāt have to say a single thing to me for me to reach my decision, I made that a long, long time agoā¦
{ Jess curls her lip and smiles. }Jessica Reed: You see, as much as you want to paint Berto as a monster the truth isā¦ heās always had my back, heās always looked out for me, but you? You Fiona? Youāre selfish. Oh you stood by my side as I fought for you against Rowan but let me ask you something, where were you when I was left flat on my back heading for the E.R.? Where were you when I was left broken after fighting for you? Where were you when I faced a lengthy recovery? Iāll tell you where you were Fiona, you were playing wacky hijinks with your pals in Being InFamous and basking in the glory of kissing goodbye to the Pack.
{ Jess shakes her head again. }Jessica Reed: You didnāt care about me, once I served my purpose you discarded me and latched onto the next sucker who fought your battles for you, crying victim whenever you messed up and got your comeuppance. Donāt believe me? Why donāt we ask Vasco what happens when you cross little innocent Miss McFly? Why donāt we ask the people in the back who have to clear up after your vandalism? Youāre not the victim, Fiona, youāre the predator. You used me and when you were done you left me to rotā¦ everything I did to you, it was well earned. I havenāt turned my back on anybody, Iāll leave that to women like you.
{ Jess begins to pace. }Jessica Reed: You can encourage people to boo me if you like, you can paint me to be the villain, but I donāt have to stand for it. Not anymore. I found somebody who, for all her faults, for all the feuds we have been throughā¦ who didnāt abandon me. Isnāt it funny, Fiona? The girl who I stood up to defend didnāt have the time for me but the one who put me in the hospital did? You reap what you sow, McFly, and if you want my advice? Youāll keep your mouth shut before I shut it again because when I am done with you, what Berto did to Steve Awesome is going to look like childās play. I wonāt let you con these people any longer, I wonāt let little girls grow up wanting to be like you. If you come within an inch of me, Iāll expose you for who you really are.
{ Jess walks looks into the camera. }Jessica Reed: This isnāt over.
{ Jess tosses the microphone across the ring and rolls under the bottom rope to meet her entourage of bodyguards. She holds he head up high and begins to march up the ramp, ignoring the jeers from the audience to her side.}Terri Morasco: Wellā¦ Fiona did demand answers butā¦ I still canāt believe this.
Vasco Dias: Iām legally obliged to offer no comment but, you could speculate that every single word Jessica Reed just said is plausible.
{ Jess finally vanishes behind the curtain as we go to a short commercial break. }------------------------------------
SEGMENTPlay Stupid Games...
------------------------------------
{The camera picks up on Warren Kane from behind going down a hallway when a group of men ambush him and start wailing on him. Warren fights back but the numbers are not really in his favor and he gets knocked to the ground and stumped on a couple of times before the camera cuts away.}------------------------------------
SINGLES MATCH1K RP Word LimitCandy Kane vs Mandi Matthews------------------------------------
Allison Valance: ā The following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, Candy āNo Relationā Kane!{As the Me Too - Meghan Trainor starts Candy struts down the ramp before climbing into the ropes posing for the crowd.}
Allison Valance: ā Her opponent, from Detroit, Michigan. Mandi Matthews!{Umbrella by All Time Low starts rocking the speakers as Mandi Matthews steps out onto the stage, a bit overwhelmed in a good way by all the people and there warm reception. She jams a bit to the music and then she jogs down to the ring as the chorus plays.}Because when the sun shines we'll shine togetherTold you I'll be here foreverSaid I'll always be your friendTook an oath I'ma stick it out 'til the end {She slides into the ring and jams out the song with the crowd as they chant along.}Now that it's raining more than everKnow that we'll still have each otherYou can stand under my umbrellaYou can stand under my umbrella-ella-ella-ay-ay-ayUnder my umbrella-ella-ella-ay-ay-ay {The music slowly fades as Mandi smiles at the crowd.
Blue shoes rings for the bell as the ladies circle around the ring then clasp each other. Mandi tries to push back Candy but Candy overpowers Mandi and puts her into the turnbuckle. They hold for a couple of seconds as Blue Shoes splits them apart and resets the match. As soon as Blue Shoes calls them to resume, Candy lands a spinning heel kick to the gut. Mandi backs into the corner as Candy pounces into a Muay Thai clinch. Delivering knee after knee to the midsection as Mandi tries to block. Blue Shoesā count reaches four as Candy backs off.
Smirking, Candy taunts towards as Mandi slowly climbs the turnbuckle. Candy turns into a missile drop kick from Mandi. Mandi capitalizes on her last move by putting Candy into a seated abdominal stretch. Elbowing the ribs of Candy every few seconds. After a minute or so, Candy finally escapes with a hip toss. Candy, holding her ribs, slowly walks over to the downed Mandi and lifts her up by her hair. Candy yells as she puts her into a You Thought.
Mandi reverses by spinning out and pushing Candy into the ropes then on the rebound hits a Mandi Matthews Experience to the back of the head. Candy collapses holding her head. She lifts Candy up and sets her on the ropes. Mandi backs up and performs a Dirty Dancing DDT. Mandi pins and Blue Shoes goes for the count.
1!!!
2!!!
3!!!
The bell rings as Mandi celebrates.}
Allison Valance: āYour winner, Mandi Matthews!!!ā
------------------------------------
SEGMENTPlay Ball
------------------------------------
{The scene opens somewhere in Sin City. The room is dark like a dungeon, lit only by torches hanging from the walls. Lucipher Crosse stands behind his lectern of humans dressed in his black and blood red unholy vestments. In the background flanked on either side by the masked men known only as The Disciples sits Nick Knight upon his blood red throne.}Lucipher Crosse: Weeks have passed since I returned to preach the gospel of the Father and my congregation has grown by leaps and bounds. Many have come into my church to kneel before the Unholy Son. Others write to me from all over the world to tell me what The Book of Crosse means to them and all I ask is that they give their testimony to those around them, to help grow our little family.
So I guess it's hard for me to see why you keep rejecting our invitation to join our inner circle Gregor. What I offer you is a chance to stand above all of my disciples. I don't want you to be just another sheep. I want you to be my brother, but you just keep spitting in my face.
{A scream can be heard in the distance}Lucipher Crosse: Must I do everything myself.
{Crosse walks off screen as the camera zooms in on Knight.}Nick Knight: Gregor I have done everything that I can to protect you. I have begged to give you another chance week after week, but I guess that it was all just wishful thinking. You have made your bed and now you are going to have to lie in it. You might know war, but do you know what it's like to have to worry whether or not the clerk at the gas station is reading The Book of Crosse on his phone, or if your dentist watches Lou's sermons in his office over lunch? You have truly called down upon yourself a faceless enemy. First James 3:22 reads 'Then the agony shall come from out of the dark.'
------------------------------------
HANDICAP MATCHAstrid Hall and Vivienne Rodgers vs Fiona McFly
------------------------------------
{The lights dim as the arena begins to pulse with a driving drumbeat that the audience quickly joins in with, sending reverberating pulses through the building. After a few moments, the drums are joined by the driving strings line of Fall Out Boy's Phoenix as a spotlight shines down on Astrid Hall, standing amidst the crowd as she looks down at the ring with an eager smile.}"PUT ON YOUR WAR PAINT!"
{On cue, she smears the red paint across her face and descends to the ring, bouncing with excitement with every step. She leaps up onto the the apron and climbs the turnbuckle, raising one fist in the air and pumping it along with the beat of the song. After removing her coat and tossing it to ringside, she vaults over the turnbuckle into the ring, where she cracks her knuckles and settles in for the coming match.}
Terri Morasco: Astrid Hall is looking to reenergize her career as she tags with Vivienne Rodgers in this handicap match!
{The opening trumpets to Confident by Demi Lovato begin to play as the lights in the ring drop, leaving gold and green spotlights on the stage and ramp. The lights in the arena pulse with similar colors as the bass kicks in. Vivienne herself does not appear until the lyrics begin in Earnest, walking on from backstage. Vivienne grins confidently as she raises a fist into the air on stage, holding the pose for a few seconds before stepping toward the ring, throwing a few punches and a kick as she begins to walk. She jumps up onto the apron, walking alongside the outer part of the ring before going in over the top rope, interacting with the crowd as she circles the inside of the ring. She takes to the center of the ring as the chorus plays, raising her fists into the air before Vivienne settles into her corner.}Vasco Dias: And IWF's l'il pocket full of sunshine is taggin' along with her. Oh, this is gonna be fun...
{ A video package begins playing to a rock-remix version of Rachel Platten's "Fight Song," showing a montage of Fiona McFly at various stages of her life including home movie footage of the famous 1994 go-kart race in the Texas Hill Country. We see photos of Fiona from her high school and college graduation ceremonies until we finally see an image of her standing next to the late Jack Gaither on their wedding day. The black-and-white photo fades down into a distorted image as the initial tune becomes slowed down, like a phonograph. Then... }"ONE! TWO!!
ONE-TWO!!!
ONE-TWO-THREE-FOUR!!!!"
{ ...a blast of pyro goes off as the Halestorm song "Love Bites (So Do I) kicks into high gear. We see Fiona hopping onto the stage with a rugged smile on her face, looking around at the cheering crowd as she twirls a replica of her trusty bullwhip around and around. }"Don't listen what your girlfriend says
She reads those magazines
That say you fail the test
You don't have what she needs
I'll slither like a viper
And get you by the neck
I know a thousand ways to help you forget about her
That chick can eat her heart out
Love bites, but so do I, so do I
Love bites, but so do I, so do I
Love bites..."
{ She strolls down the rampway, hugging and high-fiving folks along the way before handing the replica whip to a child as a souvenir. }Terri Morasco: Why do I have a feeling that this is nothing more than petty retailiation from Jess Fowler and the Powers That Be...?!
Vasco Dias: Petty?! What about when that idiot kicked me in the face!?!
Terri Morasco: What the hell was Fi supposed to do, honk your precious little nose like Mr. Miyagi?! You had moment of that kick coming to you!
[DING!]
{ The match is hard hitting and violent. Astrid pins Fiona for the three count. }------------------------------------
SEGMENTHand that feeds
------------------------------------
{Jess Fowler is sitting behind their desk working on paperwork when the door slams open. Fowler does not look up from the work.}Jess Fowler: In polite society one does tend to knockā¦
{ At that very moment, we see a hand waving to someone as if saying āhold itā before a figure in a red dress with matching ruby slippers steps into the picture. She also sports a Dallas Stars lanyard with her employeeās card attached to it -- belonging to none other than IWF Travel Coordinator Yulia Malakova. The soft-spoken wife of James Gilmore and longtime friend of Fiona McFly walks into the room. }Yulia Malakova: Who says professional wrestling isā¦
polite...?
{ Yulia whispers something through the doorway whoās obviously waiting outside before pulling up a chair. }Yulia Malakova: I have competed on the independent circuit after the Diamond in the Rough and traveled the world. I can tell you...this sport is not polite at all. Some people might not be cut out for in-ring competition, which is exactly what I realised. Yet I also realised that I could be a part of this business in a different perspective.
{ She pulls out a stick of Juicy Fruit and pops it into her mouth. }Yulia Malakova: Two-and-a-half years ago, I took the position of Imperial Travel Coordinator...but I have watched this company from the shadows. I have seen men and women pour their hearts and minds out so that they could have a shot of something very great...only to be subjugated or -- in some cases -- destroyed by those who seek to tear this company apart. They work countless hours in training and competition with one endgame in mind, to ensure that fairness and balance is kept at all times. It is the role of management to ensure that the stars of this company are able to shine without being subjected to the whim of a select few who seek power at all costs...and since 2018, in the case of the womenās division, I have seen nothing else except complicitness out of you under the false pretense of ākeeping the division afloat.ā
{ Fowler looks up from the paperwork on their desk.}Jess Fowler: I really do not understand why you feel the need to share your entire life story at the drop of a hat.
{Fowler leans back.}Jess Fowler: Do you know why I was hired? Because I do good business. Because despite everything else, every storm that hits these backstage areas I keep swimming.
{Fowler sighs.}Jess Fowler: To be blunt, I donāt care how you feel. Mr. Verona wants the business for pie in the sky best person wins through skill alone. Itās very optimistic. But Iām here to make money. This division bleeds talent because the business uses and tosses many away. Because there are a few good solid girls who feel unbeatable.
{Fowler walks around the desk.}Jess Fowler: Many women who enter this company canāt stand they may never be main event material and run. I donāt waste time on cowards. I donāt waste time on crying over hacks who couldnāt handle the pressure. I donāt care about right and wrong. Thatās a waste of money. This is a business. You work for it and it might be time to get the innocence out of your eyes and look at the big picture.
Yulia Malakova: So THIS--
{ Yulia pulls out a $20 bill from her purse and holds up in front of Fowler. }Yulia Malakova: --is what you think the business is all about, after all of the kidnapping, torture, and one-sided
Š¼ŃŃŠ¾Ń. I will say this much...money IS important, but is it THAT important?! I believe I know somebody who can answer that for meā¦?
{ Yulia places the $20 bill back into her purse as we now see Fiona McFly standing in the doorway, blocking the exit like she was an NHL goaltender. The expression on her face says it all--she was like a volcano that was ready to blow. }Yulia Malakova: You claim to be the hand that feedsā¦?! I believe Fiona here -- along with so many others in this
sport -- has proven you wrong. When you smile and snicker over, for example, her losing the World title...when you claim to care about the division by placing her through the gauntlet yet allowing Jessica Reed or Eternity to slip and slide without consequence...then it becomes a problem. Had it been any other woman that were to side up with Being Infamous and not Fiona, would you have put her through the same thingā¦?!
{ Yulia paused, Fiona licking her lips the whole time as her eyes never let off from Fowler. The two women then get ready to part ways, but not before Yulia turns around and nods warmly. }Yulia Malakova: Consider this a
warning Fowler...the spirit of Being Infamous is watching you.
Always.Jess Fowler: Get out of my office before I have you dragged out.
------------------------------------
SEGMENTWeight of the World
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Yo Yo! Yo Yoā¦ Oh la la!
{The lights in the arena flash as noise permeates the arena as the opening bars to āBitch better have my moneyā pound from the speakers.}Vasco Diaz: The Imperial Diamond Champion is here tonight!
Terri Morasco: Odd, she isnāt scheduled for any timeā¦
{Virginia Stepanov marches out onto the stage, dressed in street clothes. Her hair has green streaks through it and done up in pigtails on the side of her head. Firmly wrapped around her waist is the Imperial Diamond Championship. She bops her head to the music, making a large production of forming a finger gun with her index and middle fingers, pantomiming firing shots along with the song as some members in the crowd shout along with it.}Vasco Diaz: Clearly she has something to say tonight.
Terri Morasco: Something filled with ego most likely.
Virginia Stepanov: Alright, alright. Cut the champās music!
{Virginia makes a chopping motion across her throat as she stands up on the stage, a smirk on her face. She holds her mic to one side, waiting for the music and the noise of the crowd dies.}Virginia Stepanov: I know traditionally, some of my fellow athletes do these things from the ring, but I was trained with a bit of respect for that space so Iāll do my talking from here. Hope you donāt mind. Sorry if you are in the nosebleeds, keep your eyes on the tron, ya?ā
{Virginia turns and blows a kiss at the camera and winks. She paces back and forth on the stage.}Virginia Stepanov: So why is the tallest Imperial Diamond Champion gracing all of you with her presence today? I heard Abbyās little speech last week. Which was cute and all. Not asking for time to respond? Did you ignore the camera in the corner Abby? Like you ignore the work Iāve done?
{Virginia shakes her head slowly.}
Virginia Stepanov: Cause letās be clear here. Ignoring my accomplishments in this company is not just an insult to me, but to every other person I have faced in this company. So you can sit there and talk about how āIm not even sniffing at your heelsā but I earned my championship in a tournament of bad ass bitches and a fucking legend of this business. You got your shot after you beat up Kai twice.
{Virginia shrugs and laughs before shaking her head.}Virginia Stepanov: You sit here being all ādonāt compare me to my nameā but name dropped like 4 different times in that conversation with Colonel Fowler. Which, also a side note? Fowler is non binary af so for someone who claims to be an ally you should probably correct yourself or else go and water your astroTERF.
{Virginia sticks out her tongue slightly, smirk still on her face as she looks around.}Virginia Stepanov: Abby can also talk about how I need to focus on building my resume before I go and face her, but I think that we ALL know that this belt is the only thing keeping her safe right now. Because I am dedicated to being YOUR Imperial Diamondās Champion. And Iām gonna keep being your Imperial Diamondās Champion right up until I win Heir to the Throne, and there aināt no bitch in the back that can say otherwiseā¦
āPUT ON YOUR WAR PAINTā
{Virginia attempts to look annoyed, though the way her eyes brighten and she bites her tongue gives away her excitement about the current interruption.
Astrid descends through the crowd, eyes laser-focused on Virginia through the whole walk, a coy smile playing on the corners of her mouth as she gets closer. She takes a slow circle around the ring before striding up the ramp to the stage, immediately advancing right into the Champion's face, forcing Virginia to crane her neck to look up at the 6'2" Valkyrie. }Astrid Hall: "Tallest Imperial Diamond Champion? If you were going to come out here and make speeches where that was part of your focus... maybe you should have brought a soapbox."
{Astrid smirks and steps back, spreading her arms wide in an unmistakable 'come get me bro' pose. She backs away down the ramp before vaulting into the stage.}Astrid Hall: "Call me old fashioned, Virginia, but to my eyes warriors should speak to one another on the field of battle. Not on some presentation stage like some sort of game show host. See, you can come out here with your... speeches and your presentation. Your grandiose words.... words, words words. And here I thought when I came back I'd be returning to a Wrestling Federation, not a debate club!
This here?"
{She shakes the ropes of the ring.} "THIS is my soapbox. THIS is my debate stage. You've been going around talking about how you carry this division. But I was intrigued by something you said. You think that belt is keeping Abigail safe? You think that your position as Champion is Abigail's force field? I'd call those bold words, but they're not. They're easy. Those words are simple. Boastful and toothless, ESPECIALLY for someone who doesn't have an opponent announced for Extreme Endurance and you're not in any position to lose that belt and put your money where your mouth is."
{Astrid leans towards Virginia over the ropes, making hard eye contact with her.}"Let's change that, shall we? Lets stop the tongue-waggling and speak with one another as warriors should."
{She dips a hand into her pocket... and pulls it out with her fingers full of dark red paint. She streaks the paint over the bridge of her nose as the crowd erupts in raucous cheers before Astrid levels a finger at Virginia... then slowly points it to the sign over the ring advertising Extreme Endurance.}
------------------------------------
SEGMENTNick Danger has a challenge
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{ Of mice & men- Never Give Up comes on and Nick Danger comes out of the entrance ramp and heads to the ring giving fans high fives and slides inside the ring and ask for a microphone. }
Nick Danger:"I am really sick of the Chosen Assholes attacking me and interfering in my matches. So one jackass I want to fight in that group is the "Money Maker" the so called future of this company Almir Sayed I am calling your ass out to a match. To a match at Extreme Endurance in a Street Fight.
{ āSnake Charmerā by Annon Domini begins to play as Haseem steps out through the curtain to boos from the live audience. }Haseem: It is my honor, my privilege, my sacred duty to introduce to you the MONEY MAKER!!! ALMIR!!! SAYED!!!
{ With that, Almir steps out through the curtain with arms thrown out and his head held back. The crowd boos him like crazy as he looks out with a smile. Haseem hands his mic off to Almir who smirks. }Almir Sayed: So you want to face the Foundation of the Federation in a Street Fight!?
Nick Danger: You bet your ass!
Almir Sayed: Then my answer is simple.
{ Almir points a finger gun at Nick Danger when Scott Handsome and Grave Roberts come rushing out from the crowd to attack Nick Danger! }Vasco Dias: This is why you don't say no to Eddie D!
Terri Morasco: This is going to be a mugging!
{ Almir and Haseem start to make their way down as Grave and Scott slide in but Danger catches Scott with a superkick! Danger turns and hits a shining wizard on Grave and then a Red Eye DDT! Scott is up but Danger has Handsome and hits the Eagle Eye! Roberts starts to stand but Nick hits Grave with an Eagle Eye as well!!! }Terri Morasco: Danger just took down the goons!
{ Almir and Haseem stop a few feet from the ring as Nick Danger is up and ready to fight them as well. }Nick Danger: COME ON!
{ Almir shoves Haseem who rushes the ring but catches a superkick the second he stands on the apron! }Terri Morasco: It's just Nick Danger and Almir Sayed now!
Vasco Dias: This is a travesty!
{ Almir backs up slightly as Nick demands he get in the ring. }Almir Sayed: You will pay for this at Extreme Endurance!
Terri Morasco: Almir accepted the match!
Vasco Dias: Good! Danger is going to get what's coming to him!
{ Danger's music hits as Almir slowly backs up the ramp. }------------------------------------
SINGLES MATCHCals Jacobsen vs Mimi Simpson
------------------------------------
{Pump it plays as Mimi comes running down the ramp and into the ring.}Alison Valance: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Sanford, Florida, weighing in at 120 pounds, Mimi Simpson!
Terri Morasco: Look at the expression on Mimi Simpsonās face. She wants to make this a performance to be talked about.
Vasco Dias: Weāve already had a memorable night, Iām eager to see what these two can bring to the table.
{The echoing guitar intro of "Tears Don't Fall" sounds through the arena before a howl of "LET'S GOOOOOO!" brings Cals Jacobsen running out onto the stage, shoulder-rolling forward and coming up kneeling with their hands in horns and their tongue out, grinning ear to ear. They pop up to their feet, nodding and grinning wickedly as they walk down the ramp, fistbumping and high-fiving with fans.}Alison Valance: And her opponent! From Minneapolis, Minnesota, weighing in at 135 pounds, they are the Nonbinary Nightmare, Cals Jacobsen!
Terri Morasco: Cals Jacobsen rebounded strongly last week with a win over Fate, and theyāre looking to keep that roll going as we approach the Heiress to the Throne tournament.
Vasco Dias: Theyāre looking to get back into title contention. Canāt blame them. This is a business that rewards the grinder mentality, and they seem to have that in spades.
{Climbing the ring steps, Cals hangs off the ringpost, nodding along to the music, and steps through the ropes, pacing in a circle before running to the ropes and leaping up onto the second rope, throwing her hood back and bellowing out to the fans. Cals detaches their hood, unfolding it and tossing it into the crowd before running the ropes, clearly psyched for their match.}Terri Morasco: This has been an all-womenās division episode of Sacrifice, letās see how our final match of the night pans out!
{The bell rings, and immediately Mimi charges, looking for her lethal RUNNING BIG BOOT! NO! Cals catches her about the midsection and drops her back into the SYSTEM SHOCK! ONE! TWO! THRāKICKOUT! Mimi throws her shoulder up in time, and Cals scrambles to their feet only to be met with a big spin kick to the gut! Doubled over, they cough a little as Mimi snaps them up with an upkick, spinning into a reverse roundhouse that sends Cals crashing to the mat! ONE! TWO! KICKOUT!}Terri Morasco: Hot start there for Mimi Simpson, but she had to get out of a bit of trouble early!
Vasco Dias: That same mistake cost Kate Steele a victory once, and you have to think that someone like Mimi was watching the tapes there. Near-disaster, but thankfully averted!
{Mimi hammers Cals with a forearm, drawing them up and bringing them crashing over with a snap suplex. Mimi rolls to her feet, springboarding off the ropes into a beautiful moonsault! ONE! TWO! KICKOUT! Cals shakes their head as they try to get the blood flowing again, but a cracking elbow strike sends them back into the ropes, where Mimi begins to rail middle kicks into their core. Cals takes a few shots, wincing, but looks up and shouts āTHAT ALL YA GOT?!ā to Mimi! Enraged, Mimi begins to unload on Calsā midsection again, kick after kick finding a flush home on their abs as Calsā arms drape across the top rope!}Terri Morasco: Cals Jacobsen might have bit off more than they than chew there! Look at those shots Mimiās unloading on them!
Vasco Dias: I see something here, but Iām not spoiling it!
{Mimi keeps firing, Cals doing just enough to keep themselves defended, but itās pretty clear that Mimiās powerful strikes are starting to take a toll on her. She fires another elbow to the chest, stumbling back, and takes a deep breath as Cals steps up from the ropes, wincing in clear pain. Mimi only has a moment to realize that her opponentās not as wounded as they should be before Cals chambers their leg for a superkick! Mimi sprawls backwards and away, Cals dropping the feint leg, and Mimi charges underneath an attempted HARD PASS! Cals quickly spins on their heels, and as Mimi comes to the center of the ring again sheās caught with an inverted atomic drop! Cals hits the ropes with a burst of energy and leaps up, drilling Mimi with a GREEN SKIES! Cals covers! ONE! TWO! THRāKICKOUT!}Terri Morasco: What the hell? How is Cals Jacobsen not sucking wind right now?
Vasco Dias: Rope-a-dope! They used the ropes to absorb a lot of the power of those blows! Classic boxing strategy brought into pro wrestling, Morasco! You love to see it!
{Cals hauls Mimi up off the mat in a rear waistlock, hauling her over with a German suplex! They keep waist control, shouting āTHIS ONEāS FOR YOU, ANDY!ā as they drag Mimi back up again, popping their hips for a second one! Mimi flips up and out, though, landing with a brief stumble, and Cals turns around into a staggering HEADBUTT! Mimi scoops up Cals on their shoulder, signaling for a POWERSLAM!}Terri Morasco: Mimi just needs to hit a few big moves to put her opponents in trouble, and this could be the one-two punch that makes all that strategizing moot!
Vasco Dias: Big if true, but emphasis on that if! Look!
{Cals squirms, kicking their feet and shifting their weight, and slides out behind Mimi, landing on their feet. Mimi tries to turn, but Calsā arms snap out and chickenwing Mimiās, turning her around as Cals yanks Mimiās head into the mat with the FALL TO PIECES! Cals covers, hooking both legs desperately! ONE! TWO! THREE! The chorus of āTears Donāt Fallā explodes over the PA, and Cals lets go, sighing in relief as the bell rings!}Alison Valance: Here is your winner, Cals Jacobsen!
Vasco Dias: The Nonbinary Nightmare says sweet dreams to another opponent!
Terri Morasco: Itās an impressive counter and a well-fought win for Cals Jacobsen tonight on Sacrifice! Theyāre definitely charting that course back to the top of the contenderās list with victories like that.
{Cals rolls off Mimi, both women getting to their feet slowly. Cals offers a hand to Mimi, who eyes it cautiously. Cals says a few more things to Mimi, who sighs and offers a fist in return. Cals bumps Mimiās fist with a nod, and Mimi rolls down and out of the ring, Cals leaning on the ropes with an ecstatic grin as we fade to commercial.}------------------------------------
SEGMENTJames Gilmore declares his stip------------------------------------{ We find James Gilmore sitting inside his office at his Corpus Christi villa, with a rain-soaked background behind the large picture window. The IWF Men's World title looks nice and shiny on his oakwood desk as the Islander alum pops open a can of real-sugar Dr. Pepper. }
James Gilmore: I wanna make this short and simple, Dean-o-dude. I understand that the Abyss is one of the most ungodly things anyone can ever participate in. That bein' said...we all know that you wouldn't have challenged me to such a match unless...unless ya had somethin' up your sleeve. Welp, I'm gonna make sure there ain't no BS on your part -- and mine as well.{ JJ pauses for a moment to take a sip from his favorite drink. }James Gilmore: 'Cuz as of right now...as far as the Abyss goes, ANYBODY that ain't named Dean Harper or James Gilmore -- doesn't matter if they support PTB, Bein' Infamous, or remain independent -- will be banned from ringside. I'll see ya soon, bub...{ Watching on the big screen, the crowd pops to their feet as the show comes to a close! }
Well howdy there pardner.