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Post by Jess Fowler on Jan 27, 2021 0:25:20 GMT
 MetamorphosisJanuary 24th 2021
KFC Yum! Center - Louisville, Kentucky
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 SEGMENTPreShow ------------------------------------- {the camera pans through the crowd while People I Donât Like by UPSAHL the official song of Metamorphosis 2021 plays, catching some signs in the stadium âTeam Daddy Issuesâ âRise like a Fenixâ âHow âbout them Cowboysâ âTV Title match or best beard fight?â âSHEâS GOT KIDS!â âEthics in Wrestling journalismâ âWe miss Rob Diamondâ âSo are we just ignoring there was no male hall of fame for 2020?â âWhereâs Joe Everyman?â âWe Want Falconâ âTold my boyfriend I was doing hotgirl shit but Iâm hereâ âDean Harper for WAP 2021â âMore than bloodâ âVirginia is a bad bitchâ âRowan gonna kill somebody.â The camera spots a pink-clad group of supporters sporting the new All Infamous Wrestling and Martial Arts Academy logo, a flaming phoenix surrounded by four stars. Several members of that group are seen holding individual signs as well, the two most prominent ones reading âGILMORE-DIAMOND 2024â and â#CrazyCarol8.â }
Summer Thompson: Hello and welcome to the first pay per view of 2021! Metamorphosis is always a highlight and always an indication of how badass and awesome the year is going to be! Hi guys gals and nonbinary pals! How are you all doing? Are you excited? {The camera shifts to showing the rest of the panel.}Summer Thompson: And we have a special guest with us tonight, Caroline Machado! { Caroline Machado, wearing a black T-shirt with âNC Intramurals Championsâ on the front, along with a growling bulldog and the words âBRING THE PAINâ on the back, smiles warmly at the camera as she greets the assembled crowd around the desk. While her English is still a bit on the broken side, she does make a concerted effort to practice the lessons she has learned from James Gilmore. }Caroline Machado: Thank you! I hope my English is good -- but it is an honor to be here! Summer Thompson: Youâll be fine. Rayne: If anyone gives you any grief let me know and Iâll stomp their head in. Robert Henderson: It is nice to have you here. Uriel Black: Another girl on the panel is always a welcome sight. {Rayne rolls her eyes.}Summer Thompson: So! Who's excited for the first match? The Return of Team Diversity Hire to go off against The Disciples! I assume they will get their trophy back. It will be interesting to see how it plays out. Thoughts? { Caroline smiles from ear to ear. }Caroline Machado: I think the Disciples are going to be in for trouble. However, Diversity has not been together in a while, as I understand. I will not pick a winner, but may the best team prevail. Summer Thompson: I personally want the returning team Diversity to win. I think they are funny. The Disciples creep me out. Robert Henderson: I have to agree that while Diversity is a good team but you have to admit that they are not the best face for this company. Neither are the disciples. Rayne: I think talent wise there is some good on both sides but Disciple one is clearly carrying this weight. Against Nick and Nate this is not going to go well. Uriel Black: Maybe itâs just because Iâm nostalgic but I think the Disciples will pull this one off. Nick and Nate are good but against religious nuts theyâve always had a blind spot. Summer Thompson: Next we have the number one contender womenâs world title match between Tara Fenix and Cals Jacobsen? Any thoughts? { Caroline pulls out her iPhone 12-Pro and shows off the still photo of her and Cals sharing a hug after the formerâs debut match. }
Caroline Machado: Cals has welcomed me into the Imperial family with arms wide open. Tara wants revenge against Angel, her former husband...but to take revenge means digging two graves, as Coach Fiona says. So I pick Cals. Robert Henderson: I have to agree with Ms. Machado. Jacobsen would be the better shot at the title. They are dedicated and have a good heart. They have been in the company more recently and can handle themselves. Uriel Black: I am kind of excited to see Fenix getting to the top again. I canât be the only one wanting to see it. Rayne: As fun as Tara becoming Queen Bitch of the universe again, no one wants that. Trust me. Summer Thompson: I like Cals. Tara kinda scares me. Rayne: Spiders scare you. Summer Thompson: âŚ.so um next is the Television title match. Who's your pick? { Caroline nods, giving off a warm and gentle aura around her. }Caroline Machado: This one might go either way. Ulf is big and very strong, Evan is very agile and light as a feather, and Nick Knight is defending the title. Those three have proven themselves to be very good people...so I will pass on this one. Uriel Black: Youâve decided not to pick in two matches. Why are you even here? Summer Thompson: Uriel, be nice. Uriel Black: Iâm just asking what everyone else is wondering. Robert Henderson: I have to give my pick to Nick Knight. He might not be the most likable person but he is someone who is dedicated the the craft of wrestling and I think he goes out every week to try his best. Evan is still new to the game. Ulf had some time off. Itâs hard to know how this will go down but Iâm sure Nick will win. Rayne: Iâm personally rooting for Ulf. Heâs been on a tear since coming back to the company. He has always been champion material and taking this one is the perfect way to let management he is serious about his career. Summer Thompson: I hope Evan wins. I like how he presents himself. Heâs super skilled and I think a good champion like him would be neat. Uriel Black: Iâm gonna back Nick Knight. After what happened at the end of the tag team world cup he could use the victory. Summer Thompson: Next we have The Imperial Diamond match of Rowan vs Samira Hamilton? What are we thinking? { Caroline sighs, shakes her head. }Caroline Machado: Samira. Rowan is grumpy -- using a title as a license to hurt people. I donât like grumpy! I want Samira to win... Summer Thompson: I want Samira to win too! Robert Henderson: I think we need to be realistic in our picks. Samira is still pretty fresh to the scene and Rowan is a hall of famer. Rowan is going to win this. Rayne: After what she did to Vivienne? I canât believe anyone willingly enters the ring with her anymore. I hope Samira makes it out unscathed. Uriel Black: Itâs going to be a blood bath. Samira will be lucky to wrestle next week. Summer Thompson: Next we have the womenâs world title match of Abigail versus Virginia. How do we think this is going to go down? { Caroline closes her eyes before popping a bubble from a piece of bubblegum. }Caroline Machado: Abigail has been a great champion. Virginia...I think Virginia is grumpy, too! She likes to use the microphone to demean those who came before her. I have come to this company to honor what people like Coach JJ and Coach Fiona have done. Abigail wins here. Summer Thompson: I want Abigail to keep winning too. Sheâs been a good champion and done a lot with her platform. Uriel Black: Virginia is a bitch and you know I love that in a woman. Rayne: Gross. Uriel Black: So I think sheâs going to unload on Abigail in a way no one is prepared for. Robert Henderson: Both Abigail and Virginia have a lot of reason to put their all into this fight. Abigail did survive against Eternity and I think you have to acknowledge the amount of skill it take to handle someone like that. Rayne: Virginia is a hard worker and sheâs been aiming for this title since entering the company. Itâs important to give her credit. The fact that two women from Belle of the Ball are fighting for a title this week is pretty impressive. Summer Thompson: Now we are on to the main event. We have the male world title. Caleb Lockwood versus James Gilmore? Thoughts? Uriel Black: I assume we can just guess Caroline is going to pick Gilmore because heâs her teacher and move on? Rayne: Donât be a dick. { Caroline gives Uriel one of the most precious âdirty looksâ of all time. }Caroline Machado: I hope you are not grumpy, Uriel. Coach JJ has done so much to not only make a name for himself in the ring, but outside the ring too. I would not be here, practicing English, if it wasnât for him. Caleb, like Rowan, is grumpy -- he loves to hurt people more than compete fairly. If JJ can take down a man who claims to be a god in Angel Blake, he can beat Caleb. And that is the way it is! Rayne: I honestly wish I could believe Gilmore beating Angel was little more than a fluke. I think Caleb is going to be using his bones to clean his teeth. Uriel Black: Am I allowed to vote against the tiny cannibal? Summer Thompson: Youâre allowed to say what you want, honey. Uriel Black: I donât know if I am. He knows where I live. Even if I wasnât worried of waking up with him standing at the edge of my bed though, Gilmore doesnât have a snowballâs chance in hell of winning this. He lost to Dean. Caleb beat Dean. Itâs simple Science. Robert Henderson: To beat Dean he had to pull an underhanded trick though⌠Uriel Black: And? A win is a win. Robert Henderson: I think Caleb has a chance to win this all. Heâs unhinged and not afraid to do what he wants. Iâm not saying itâs who I want to win but who likely will. Summer Thompson: Well, thatâs all the time we have! Thanks for stopping by! See you next month! -------------------------------------  TAG TEAM MATCH Team Diversity Hire vs The Disciples ------------------------------------- Alison Valance: The following tag team match is scheduled for one fall. Terri Morasco: This is an interesting tag team match up. Vasco Dias: Itâs a match up between a team not seen on TV in over a year and a masked dou. {Personal Jesus by Lollipop Lust Kill begins to play as red lights begin to flash slowly before lights come up on the stage. As the music swells, dim light begins to come up on the stage, now shrouded with smoke as three silhouettes fade into view. As the guitar kicks in hard, the lights flash onto the stage revealing the members of the The Deciples in their masks and Lucian Crosse in full, gazing into the crowd and taking in their reaction - Lucian as he spreads his arms wide as though welcoming the audience to a religious service. The Desciples walk slowly to the ring as Lucian stands at the top of the stage with his arms spread until the lights of out, leaving the desciples to do his dark work} Alison Valance: First down to the ring⌠THE DESCIPLES OF LUCIPHER CROSSE Terri Morasco: This time has been pretty unknown here and I wonder what will transpire here tonight. Vasco Dias: A teaching moment, thatâs for certain. {The opening hook of "Ante Up" blares from the PA as Nick Hunter and Nate Harris walk through the curtain, Nick immediately running over to the edge of the stage and riling the crowd up as Nate cracks his neck, a smirk on his face. Nick runs over to the other side of the stage, working the crowd some more, and Nate begins to walk down the ramp, Nick running to catch up with him as he continues to talk a mile a minute at the fans.}Alison Valance: From the Big Easy, at a combined weight of 410 pounds, the team of Nick Hunter and Nate Harris, Team Diversity Hire! {Nick fistbumps someone in the crowd, leaping up onto the apron as Nate climbs the steps. Nick slingshots over the top into the ring, landing on his feet and talking even more trash as Nate steps between the ropes, settling back into their corner. Nick walks in a circle in the ring, continuing to rile the crowd as he makes his way back to Nate, dropping his voice and beginning to talk strategy as the music fades.} Terri Morasco: I for one am excited to have them back here. Vasco Dias: You would be. {The match starts with D2 and Nick in the ring. Nick hits D2 with a Turnbuckle powerbomb followed by an Overhead belly-to-belly suplex.} Terri Morasco: Nick openning strong here. Vasco Dias: Not hard to have one against Desciple 2. {Nick tags Nate in. Nate hits D2 with a super kick. D2 bounce from the strike and tangle up with Nate. As Nate and D2 are going back and forth, D1 walks over behind Nick and grabs him by the ankle, slamming him to the ground and disappears before The ref can see what happened.}Terri Morasco: Thatâs cheating! Vasco Dias: Says who? {Nate turns to see Nick on the ground and D2 hits him with a backbreaker. Then goes to tag D1 in.Disciple One and Two hit REACH OUT AND TOUCH FAITH on Nate, Disciple one goes for the pin
1
2
3!} Alison Valance: Your winner⌠The Disciples of Lucipher Crosse. {The final bell sounded Lucipher Crosse climbs the ring steps grinning from ear to ear. He takes a microphone from a member of the production staff and steps between the ropes.}Lucipher Crosse: Kneel, One and Two. {The masked pair drop to their knees before the preacher.}You have no idea how proud I am of both of you. When I first took you under my wing you were nothing more than two jobbers incapable of picking up a win against anyone more talented than one of Bob Poolerâs students. Terri Morasco: Wait, is Crosse saying that One and Two are guys that were already on the IWF Roster? Vasco Dias: I donât know. Lucipher Crosse: One you would show flashes of talent in your matches, but you would always make a mistake and lose in the end. Two you were nothing more than a whipping boy to a dressing room full of guys that shouldnât have been fit to tie your boots. You were both pathetic! Then you came to me with hopes of growing to be your best self. You were like raw clay begging for me to mold into something great. The last few months you have studied The Word like scholars and lived by it every second of your lives. You have worshipped the Father and put your faith in âThe Unholy Son.â In return Brother Nicky has spent many hours in the ring with you helping you becoming a well oiled machine. {Crosse takes a deep breath and runs his hand over his shaved head.âLucipher Crosse: I wasnât sure that tonight was going to be the right time for this, but you have made me so proud. Disciple One please take off your mask. {The wrestler slowly reaches back and begins to unlace his mask. He pauses for a moment before slowly pulling it off.}Terri Morasco:No! It canât be! Vasco Dias: Itâs Jack Ferrimen! Disciple One is Jack Ferrimen! Lucipher Crosse: Two please remove your mask. {The man known as Disciple Two decides to take the band-aid approach and just rip his mask off.}Terri Morasco: Oh my god! Vasco Dias: Jayson Matthews? Disciple Two is Jayson? Lucipher Crosse: Please rise, Brother Jack and Brother Jayson. You are now Apostles of The Church of Crosse!!! {The three men in the ring embrace as the scene cuts to an advertisement for Danger Zone.}-------------------------------------  Women's World Title Championship contender match Tara Fenix vs Cals Jacobsen
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{The lights throughout the arena shut off, and fog begins to shoot out at the curtains while the instrumentals for âPrayer for the Afflictedâ by Children of Bodom begins to blast through the speakers; half of the crowd begins to cheer as the signature blue spotlight encircles the arena before focusing on the ramp where a clearing has begun to show Tara crouched down in the middle of it. She has a sinister smile while her eyes linger on the ring.}
We hear a prayer for the brighter morrow,
Itâs hard to take through all the laughter,
We donât believe in tomorrow,
Itâs just another morning after!
{She advances forward a bit by crawling, and then finally stands straight up as she reaches the ramp; the fog is beginning to dissipate, and the lights on queue with the melody, as she walks down the ramp. Fans along the front row begin bowing to her, and she turns to give them a small acknowledgement, but then resumes her eyes forward and not slowing her pace at all toward the ring.}
(I need you far away from me)
(I want you closer to me)
(I need you far away from me)
(I want you closer to me)
{Tara rolls under the bottom rope and into the ring, sitting up onto her knees; she allows herself to observe the crowd. There are still the pockets of fans that are bowing to her, while others cheer, and others are simply unsure on how to react; she keeps the sinister grin on her face as she walks to the nearest turnbuckle. While holding both of the ropes going into the corner, she crouches down and just lowers her head while waiting for the match to begin.}
Vasco Dias: Tara is the first one to come out to the ring this evening, and she has been looking forward to this fight⌠so quick⌠since returning, she is now in a battle for a chance to become the number one contender.
Terri Morasco: Itâs true, but sheâs made easy work of her first two opponents since coming back. The question is whether that momentum will continue rolling and she will accomplish her quest? Cals Jacobsen is not going to make it easy.
{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. 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: And hereâs Cals Jacobsen ready to start this match! These two have similar skill sets, similar fighting styles, so this should be a good one to watch.
Vasco Dias: As technically sound as both of them are, Iâm just not seeing it happening⌠for Cals. I think the years⌠YEARS⌠of experience that Tara has over Cals Jacobsen is going to be what decides this.
{Tara and Cals walk toward the middle of the ring; the veteran of nineteen years getting face to face, nose to nose, with her opponent, Cals JacobsenâŚ}
Terri Morasco: Both of these individuals have similar fighting styles. Both of them are technically sound. Both of them are able to use their speed to their advantage. Both of them are able to brawl with the best of them! This is a great match waiting to happen!
Vasco Dias: I cannot disagree with you on any of those points. Tara does have the experience to edge it out, but Cals has a bit of reach over Tara to try to keep the distance, but I do believe Tara may edge it out as far as power goes. Tara has wrestled some of the best around the world, and has had to adapt to a speed and technical base, but ever since she did sign with nCw, and eventually IWF, she has tried to use some power in her arsenal. And what weâve seen out of her lately, she could be dangerous for Cals Jacobsen.
{Tara sneers at Cals, and the bell sounds -- Tara is the first on the offense by shoving Cals back, and she goes to continue her offense, but both of them clinch! Cals tries to overpower Tara by shoving her back toward the corner, and just at the last second, Tara turns it around and shoves Cals back into the corner. She shoves herself off, and connects with a knife edge chop!}
Crowd: Whoo!
Vasco Dias: Tara reverses it, and those turnbuckles can hurt. They can knock the wind out of you.
Terri Morasco: It looked like she allowed Cals to gain that edge just to reverse her into it.
{Tara connects with a second knife edge chop! And a third! The crowd continues their chant at each time, as Cals tries to cover their chest; Tara grabs Calsâ arm and goes to send Cals across to the opposite corner, but Cals pulls her back and tries to send Tara into the corner -- Tara runs up to the middle rope and backflips off of it, over Cals Jacobsen, and lands back on her feet.}
Terri Morasco: Tara shows off some athleticism, but Cals is turning to herâŚ
Vasco Dias: Donât get too flashy! A veteran should know better.
{Cals aims for a roundhouse kick to Taraâs head, and Cals ducks underneath! As Cals is spinning around to regain her footing, Tara catches Cals with a schoolgirl rollup: One! ⌠Cals rolls through and is on their knees, Tara is already up to her feet. Tara charges forward to go for a shining wizard, but Cals rolls backward taking Taraâs leg with her as Cals tries to get her into a Single Leg Boston Crab!}
Vasco Dias: Where did that come from?
Terri Morasco: Cals Jacobsen showing their own prowse, catching the veteran off guard, but Cals hasnât been able to lock it in yet, and Tara is already reaching for the ropes!
{Cals releases the hold slightly, trying to drag Tara away, but itâs too late: Tara has a grip on the rope.}
Terri Morasco: Safety!
Vasco Dias: Thatâs something a veteran would know to do.
{Cals releases her leg without incident and just stands in a fighting pose while waiting for the veteran to get back up; Tara rolls over onto her feet, and kips up, with her eyes darting toward her opponent. Cals invites Tara to the middle of the ring, and Tara clinches with Cals immediately -- Cals manages to get the upper hand over Tara by getting Cals into an arm wrench, but Tara answers by rolling forward and going to sweep Cals off their feet! She succeeds, and goes down for a cover: Cals immediately throws Tara off, and both competitors are to their feet. Tara looks to land a spinning kick only for Cals to duck underneath, and Cals tries for their own leg sweep but Tara perfectly telegraphs it and jumps over the oncoming leg.}
Terri Morasco: Thatâs something that you learn only by years of experience in the ring. The perfect timing.
Vasco Dias: And these two are finding each other quite evasive. A real clinic theyâre going through.
{Cals retracts her leg and goes to regain their own balance; meanwhile, Tara aims for a Genocide Kick in homage to her blood brother!}
Vasco Dias: The Genocide Kick! Nobody hits that move quite like that Docherty family!
Terri Morasco: But Cals caught it!
{Cals catches Taraâs leg and shakes their head a few times before spinning Tara around, and Tara completes the 360 and aims to connect with a spinning back kick, but Cals ducks underneath again! Tara has her back to her opponent, and Cals takes advantage of the situation: Cals sneaks up behind Tara and takes her down with a Russian Leg Sweep! Cals rolls over and immediately goes for the cover: One! ⌠Two! Tara tosses her shoulder off of the mat!}
Terri Morasco: I donât think Cals was expecting to get the cover there, but Cals is causing Tara to extort a bit of energy.
Vasco Dias: But if you notice, Tara didnât do a large kick out for that very reason. She is looking to conserve as much energy as she can!
{Before Tara can get to her feet, Cals is already back on the offense; Cals connects with a forearm smash to Taraâs upper back, and lifts her up the rest of the way to put her into a front headlock. Cals holds her in the front headlock for several seconds, but Tara takes Cals over with a Northern Lights Suplex! Tara keeps the bridge: One! ⌠Two! ⌠Cals kicks out of it!}
Vasco Dias: With force, extorting more energy than Tara did when she escaped.
Terri Morasco: Neither competitor is getting the edge over the other!
{Cals is the first to their feet, but Tara kips back up a second time. Cals has already run to the ropes and rebounds off! Tara turns to Cals who is coming toward her, and leaps over in a sunset flip! Tara makes another cover: One! ⌠Two! Cals manages to adjust their weight to now have the cover over Tara: One! ⌠Two! ⌠Tara rolls Cals back to her own cover: One! ⌠Cals adjusts the weight again and gets another cover: One! ⌠Tara rolls backward, and is to her feet almost immediately; she dashes forward and connects with a front dropkick! Cals is flat on their back, and Tara grabs Calsâs legs and rolls her up into a cover: One! ⌠Two! ⌠Cals kicks out!}
Terri Morasco: Damn! There is no quit!
Vasco Dias: I thought for sure that Cals would have been winded enough to stay down on that one. Remember, all it takes is three seconds! The patented trademarks or finishing moves are not always needed for a finish.
{Cals is covering their face for a moment, rubbing their own jaw from how hard Tara had hit them; Tara doesnât waste any time and is already on her feet. While Cals is still trying to recover when Tara grabs Calsâs leg and calls for the Phoenix Lock!}
Vasco Dias: We saw this! This is one hold that Tara has mastered over her many years, and she will damn near break anyoneâs legs if they refuse to tap!
Terri Morasco: We saw her force Candy Kane to tap out to this in her first match back, and she looks to be trying to get Cals to do the same!
{Cals frantically waves their arms, but considers the option and shoves Tara off with their leg! Tara hits the ropes and bounces back, and Cals rolls her up into a cover: One! ⌠Two! ⌠T-- Tara manages to roll backward and out of the cover! Tara and Cals both get to their feet, but Cals is the first to strike offense with high angle dropkick! The dropkick sends Tara toppling back into the ropes and rebounds off of them again, and Cals follows up by catching Tara with Have A Seat Over There!}
Terri Morasco: Cals Jacobsen with Have A Seat Over There, and Cals seems to have finally gained an edge over Tara!
Vasco Dias: These two have been back and forth this entire contest, but that could be the offense Cals needed to start bringing this one to an end.
{Cals drapes their arm over Tara, making a weak attempt at a cover: One! ⌠Two! ⌠Th--Tara rolls her shoulder off the mat!}
Vasco Dias: Somehow, someway, Tara manages to get her shoulder up, and this match is still going!
Terri Morasco: Cals Jacobsen looks a bit frustrated, but knows that the match is still on. Donât waste too much time!
{Cals gets up to their feet and just begins stalking Tara, waiting for her to get back up⌠Tara is a bit groggy, but as the time passes, she does make it up to her feet well within seven seconds, and just as she gets on her feet, Cals aims for Hard Pass! Tara narrowly avoids it and hooks both of Cals arms behind her, rolling her into another cover: One! ⌠Two! ⌠Th-- Cals rolls backward this time!}
Terri Morasco: Tara dodged a bullet with that one! If Cals were to hit Hard Pass, it would be a hard finish!
Vasco Dias: I agree with you one-hundred percent there! Tara is still fighting out of this one.
{Both competitors are to their feet at the same time, but Cals takes a step to Tara only to be met with a front kick to Cals abdomen! Tara pulls Cals in and connects with Phoenix Wings #2! But she doesnât go for the cover, right away. Instead, she points at the corner.}
Vasco Dias: Is Tara looking to send another message?
Terri Morasco: It would seem so⌠Heavenâs Fury, her ex-husbandâs finishing move!
{Tara climbs to the top rope and just waits for Cals Jacobsen to slowly get to their feet; just as Cals does, Tara leaps off the top rope and connects with Heavenâs Fury! Tara, without hesitation, makes the cover, making sure to hook Calsâs leg: One! ⌠Two! ⌠Three!}
Announcer: Your winner! By way of pin fall! TARA! FENIX!!!!!!!!!!
Terri Morasco: What a match! Big moves here and there, each one telegraphed each other as often as they could, but Tara⌠the veteran⌠withstanding.
Vasco Dias: Keep in mind, she said she was looking forward to this match. She wasnât impressed by her earlier opponents, but Cals Jacobsen⌠she was looking forward to this one.
Terri Morasco: I think Tara appreciates the good fight Cals gave. But it just wasnât enough to stop her momentum going forward!
{Taraâs music plays over the speakers and she just slithers her way out of the ring; she is trying to catch her breath momentarily as she just walks up the ramp leaving the referee to tend to Cals Jacobsen.}
-------------------------------------
SEGMENT
Cloat
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{ A black Chevrolet Camaro SS rolls into the parking lot of the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky. It comes to a stop outside of one of the back entryways to the building. The lights go down and the engine shuts off. The driver's side door opens, and out steps Stephen Terrella; dressed in a pair of tactical boots, black jeans, white t-shirt and black leather jacket. It's unclear if he's still wearing the wounds from his war with Evan Albrecht at Sacrifice two weeks ago, as he's wearing a black beanie to cover his head. }
{ He walks around to the passenger side door, opening it for Portia. She steps out in a black leather dress and heels, rocking a pair of sunglasses for the evening. She tilts her head upward to give him a kiss. Terrella closes the door behind her, and the pair begin to make their way toward the door where Ella Kelley had been waiting to potentially catch a few words with some of the competitors who would be in action on the show tonight. }
Ella: Stephen, Portia... the two of you aren't scheduled for the show tonight. What's brought you to Louisville?
{ Portia looks at her with an expression of disdain. }
Portia: Clearly you're not doing much, either, aside from standing by a door looking... well, whatever that look is that you're going for is. I'm not sure, but it's not cute or sexy.
{ Porta's face twists a bit in disgust. }
Portia: If you must know though, we came to watch Evan in his big match tonight. A night like tonight carries a lot of pressure, and we just want to make sure Evan's head is in the right place. It'd be a real shame if he had any... added distractions tonight to worry about, ya know?
{ Portia flashes a wicked smile. }
Ella: What exactly do you mean by that?
{ Terrella flicks his hand, intimating that he wants Ella to bring the microphone closer for him to speak. }
Terrella: That motherfucker put twelve stitches in my fucking skull. Twelve. He took something from us. He took our fucking opportunity, our fucking payday! So let me be real fucking clear- if that little motherfucker walks to that ring tonight, it's because I allowed it. If that little motherfucker somehow wins the Television Title tonight, it'll be because I fucking allowed it. Some might say where's the fucking joy in watching some little shit you hate get his big moment? Truth is, there ain't fucking none. But here's the fucking deal- I can walk through that door, down that hall right now, find his ass and we can settle this shit up. Or maybe I just let him try to get a fucking taste of that prize he wants, so when I eventually tear every-fucking-thing away from him that he ever wanted and worked for it hurts all the fucking worse.
{ Terrella squares his jaw. }
Terrella: I'm going to walk in that arena, and I'm just going to let the fucking mood strike me. Albrecht owes me a debt though, and you can bet your ass it's getting paid in his fucking blood. Sooner than later, too.
{ Portia wraps her arms inside of Terrella's arm, and the two of them walk toward the arena door. Terrella stops to open it for her. She disappears to the inside of the building, and he follows. The door shuts with a thump behind them. }
-------------------------------------  Men's IWF Television world championship match Nick Knight vs "Thunderchild" Evan Albrecht vs Ulf Hednir
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{The guitars of "Devil Trigger" start to echo through the arena as Evan stomps out and raises a hand to the crowd before just outright Howling to the spotlight as he charges the Ring sliding smoothly under the bottom rope before climbing a corner rope to start taking off his jacket with a feral grin.}
Vasco Dias: The first challenger is out in the ring, and I would say the largest underdog of the match. He has already been defeated by the second challenger, Ulf Hednir, and he is not the defending champion. A betting man would not bet on this man.
Terri Morasco: But as we know, it can go to anyone on any given night! Lightning could strike for the Thunderchild! He earned his way into this match, and has just as much opportunity for it.
{The opening guitar introduction to "Raise Your Horns" by Amon Amarth begins to play through the speakers in the arena, and the crowd erupts into a cheer; "Victory!" as the opening of the vocals comes to the speakers, Ulf Hednir comes from behind the curtains with his drinking horn held high into the air leading the crowd to cheer further for him. He walks to the side of the stage and gestures for the crowd to get louder--he is not disappointed, and salutes the crowd by raising the drinking horn to the crowd following it with a gulp; he salutes them one more time before walking toward the ring with a smile on his face. He walks close by the ramp to use his free hand to shake hands with many of the fans. When reaching the bottom of the ramp, he walks around to the time keeper's table and places the drinking horn in a holder fastened to his belt, in order for him to remove his wolf headdress and place it with the time keeper. He retrieves his drinking horn from his belt again and holds it to the sky, yelling "SkĂĽl!" to the crowd, who chant it with him before downing the remainder of the beverage residing in the drinking horn. He places the drinking horn down on his wolf headdress, and slides under the bottom rope to get into the ring. He is quick to his feet, waiting for the match to begin.}
Vasco Dias: Ugh, I donât know how he got into this match.
Terri Morasco: Keep in mind that Ulf Hednir has been on a roll with this one, even pointed out by you that he has a victory over Evan âThunderchildâ Albrecht, and like him, has earned a spot for this match.
Vasco Dias: Weâll see if he truly belongs.
{The opening chords of âMomma Said Knock You Outâ hits over the arena sound system as Nick Knight steps onto the entrance ramp. âThe Hollywood Butcherâ is showered with boos from the fans that at another time in another place adored him. Dressed in old school black trunks with and blackt-shirt that reads Uber Heel in purple . Nick slowly moves towards the ring some fans on the aisle still reach to high five the once fan favorite, but they do not exist in Knightâs world. He is 100% focused on the battle ahead of him and never looks out from beneath the trademark towel draped over his head.}
Vasco Dias: And hereâs the absolute favorite! Defending champion! One successful defense to his name!
Terri Morasco: So far, so good, but this is not going to be against an individual. This is against Evan âThunderchildâ Albrecht, and Ulf Hednir! Both really strong competitors!
{The bell sounds, and the three men begin looking back and forth at each other for who is going to make the first strike. Thunderchild and Ulf nod to each other, causing Nick Knightâs eyes to go wide as both Ulf and Thunderchild lock arms and take the champion down with a double clothesline! Nick Knight hits the mat and immediately turns over onto his stomach and pushes himself to his knees; meanwhile, Ulf and Thunderchildâs arms drop, but Ulf rebounds off the ropes and comes back with a big boot connecting with Nick Knightâs jaw! Ulf continues forward and stays out of the action momentarily. Nick Knight immediately sits back up, holding his jaw, and now Evan âThunderchildâ Albrecht connects with a dropkick into his chest!}
Terri Morasco: Both of the challengers seem to want to target the champion, and take him out of the match rather quickly!
Vasco Dias: This is a triple threat match! Not a handicap match! The referee should be getting between them and making sure that they fight each other!
Terri Morasco: There are no rules against teaming up!
{Nick Knight sits back up again, clutching his chest, and Ulf returns to connect with a kick directly to his spine causing Nick Knight to yelp out! Ulf shoves Nick Knight to lie down, and Thunderchild drops down over Nick Knight with an elbow drop! He stays over him for a cover: One! Ulf notices the referee counting. Two! Ulf grabs Thunderchild by the leg, and pulls him away from the cover; Nick Knight lies still to conserve his energy, knowing Ulf would make the save.}
Vasco Dias: Thereâs nothing for Nick Knight to worry about. Just let the two challengers have at each other for a bit.
Terri Morasco: The Thunderchild tries to sneak one in. What would have happened had Ulf decided to let this one go?
Vasco Dias: Then he has no place in the IWF!
{Thunderchild gets up to his feet and is face to face with Ulf, both of them mouthing off to each other. Ulf is not thrilled over him trying to steal the win, and while still talking trash, Evan connects with a headbutt! He holds his own head in pain, momentarily, as Ulf staggers back, and Evan continues forward with varied chops, palm strikes, and punches until Ulf is backed against the ropes. Across the ring, Nick Knight has gotten to the corner and kneels down as he just watches the two challengers wear each other down. Ulf defends himself from the lefts and rights that Thunderchild is swinging wildly with; Ulf finally manages to hook one of Thunderchildâs arms! Thunderchild looks to retaliate with his free arm, but is caught -- Ulf shakes his head to Thunderchild, as if to tell him no escape. Thunderchild tosses and turns his body to try and wriggle free, but Ulf connects with a headbutt! A second! A third! A fourth! And a fifth!}
Terri Morasco: Ulf is punishing Thunderchild, and this is what Thunderchild was trying to avoid. When you get Ulf down, you have to keep him down! When that momentum starts goingâŚ
Vasco Dias: Itâs the same with anyone else! The momentum carries them, and Ulf has shown that he can use the momentum as well as anyone else. And unfortunately, thatâs the difference between challengers and champions, so if he musters that momentum correctly, he could be walking out as the new champion.
{Thunderchild, although dazed, fires back with his own headbutt; however, Ulf doesnât let go⌠Nick Knight suddenly charges in from the side while Ulfâs and Thunderchildâs arms are interlocked, and sends them both over the top rope with a double clothesline! Knight walks back toward the middle of the ring and throws his arms into the air as if already victorious -- the crowd answers back to his gesture by booing him.}
Vasco Dias: Thatâll stop that momentum, and shift it in favor of the champion.
Terri Morasco: Only if he can capitalize on them both being off their feet at this particular moment.
{Nick Knight turns towards them, and slides out of the ring in their direction; Ulf is the first one to his feet and is met with a double axe handle smash from Knight, followed by a knee to his chest; Nick Knight grabs a handful of hair of Ulfâs and charges him into the barricade. Thunderchild is almost to his feet, but now the champion turns his attention toward him and charges forward to connect with a straight kick to his chest! Thunderchild stands straight up, clutching his chest, and Nick Knight now drives another knee into his midsection; he forces Thunderchild back into the ring and crawls in after him. Nick Knight makes the cover, and as the referee goes down to count, Nick Knight raises his legs to use the ropes as leverageâŚ}
Terri Morasco: Oh, come on! Look up, ref! Look up!
Vasco Dias: Just using the vision to his advantage.
{Outside of the ring, Ulf has gotten back up; he stumbles to the ring, seeing Nick Knight making the cover. One! Ulf is a couple steps closer. Two! Ulf goes to bounce the ropes, to break up the pin fall, but Thunderchild kicks out on his own! The referee looks up to see the ropes shaking, but immediately sees Ulf and assumes that he had shaken them, ignoring any further detective work.}
Vasco Dias: Donât let that oaf back in the ring!
Terri Morasco: Thunderchild managed to kick out, but those two need to keep an eye. Ulf is about to re-enter the picture!
{Nick Knight is back up to his feet. Thunderchild is trying to turn himself over. Ulf climbs up to the apron. As Knight stalks Thunderchild a moment longer, he suddenly drives an elbow back to Ulf who is standing on the apron!}
Vasco Dias: The veteran prowse! Perfectly calculated. Perfectly delivered.
Terri Morasco: I did think that Ulf would be able to sneak back in, but Nick Knight showed why he is the champion and great awareness.
{Knight turns his attention to Ulf, and clinches with him over the rope but drives as many punches as he can! While the two are locked up, Thunderchild suddenly lunges forward and rolls the champion into a schoolboy cover: One! Ulf shakes his head on the apron to regain his composure. Two! Ulf steps between the top and middle ropes in an attempt to make the save, but just before he has to, Nick Knight kicks out!}
Vasco Dias: Iâm pretty sure I saw him take a handful of tights!
Terri Morasco: Nick Knight just used the ropes--
Vasco Dias: ⌠BUT! It doesnât matter, because Nick Knight still kicks out!
{The force of Nick Knightâs kick out causes Thunderchild to stand back up, and stumbles backward into Ulf. Ulf gets his arms around him and goes for the Jormungandr Lock! Thunderchild wriggles and shakes violently to try to keep him from locking the hold in. Nick Knight stands back up and charges forward to connect with as many shots as he can on the vulnerable Thunderchild. Thunderchild kicks at Nick Knight, then brings an elbow into Ulfâs ribcage, which causes Ulf to let go -- the three of them ensue into a three way brawl, fists flying every which direction to connect with anyone they can as they slowly make their way back to the middle of the ring. The referee backs up to keep himself from getting hit in the scuffle.}
Vasco Dias: Thereâs no wrestling anymore! These three are just swinging!
Terri Morasco: And all the referee can do is get out of the way!
{Ulf gets shoved back by both Nick Knight and Thunderchild, who then return to swinging at each other; Ulf bounces off the ropes and comes back with The Thor Punch connecting with Thunderchild!}
Terri Morasco: The Thor Punch! Out of nowhere!
Vasco Dias: Well, I think Thunderchild is officially outâŚ
{Nick Knight appears to be shocked, wide eyed, as his eyes land on Ulf Hednir. Ulf is challenging for him to take a swing, and Knight obliges; Ulf blocks his shot, and fires a right jab! Knight goes for another shot, only to have it blocked, and Ulf connects with a left jab! Knight takes a couple steps back and then lunges forward to go for a quick clothesline but Ulf steps to the side and uses the championâs momentum to send him over the top rope and toppling outside of the ring!}
Vasco Dias: Nick Knight in a bad way now, and Evan Albrecht has not moved.
Terri Morasco: We could be looking at the new champion. Ulf is going for the cover!
{Ulf hooks Thunderchildâs leg, and the referee counts: One! ⌠Nick Knight is scrambling to get to his feet outside of the ring. Two! ⌠Nick Knight sees Ulf cover, and although itâs too far out of his reach, he instinctively tries to make the save. The--THUNDERCHILD KICKS OUT!}
Terri Morasco: The Thunderchild SURVIVES! He kicks out from The Thor Punch!
Vasco Dias: I think those vital seconds that Nick Knight bought him is what helped him do just that, but the match continues!
{Ulf shakes his head in disbelief, but is already getting to his feet. Nick Knight now hesitates, knowing that the match is still going, and slithers backward to stay out of the ring. For the time being.}
Vasco Dias: No rush, no rush. Just keep an eye on the competition and donât lose your belt!
Terri Morasco: The champion is going to allow them to continue doing their work, but Thunderchild is in rough shape.
{Ulf grabs Thunderchild by the arm, and goes to send him into the corner! Thunderchild manages to reverse it! Ulf hits the corner hard, and Thunderchild with a second wind, charges in and lands one of the three parts to begin Fury of the Gods! Ulf is winded at the moment from the collision, and Thunderchild sends him to the opposite corner; he follows him in with part two of Fury of the Gods!}
Terri Morasco: No! Heâs using his own move against him!
Vasco Dias: Ulf is a rather large man, I donât know if he could do much else.
{Thunderchild takes a step back and measures Ulf up, and with a spin, finishes what he calls Thieving Talons of the Magpie -- Ulfâs Fury of the Gods -- Ulf is knocked down to the mat. Meanwhile, Nick Knight is back in the ring, stumbling, to feign injury; he holds his wrist and hand implying that he landed wrong outside of the ring, and Thunderchild turns his attention to the championâŚ}
Vasco Dias: He canât be hurt. This isnât gonna be good for him to be able to retain.
Terri Morasco: He may have hurt himself landing on the outside of the ring. A bad landing, maybe? He seemed fine.
{The referee tries to check him, but Nick Knight angles himself so itâs not clear for the referee; Thunderchild goes to clinch with him, but Nick Knight connects with a stiff punch with brass knuckles hidden! Thunderchild drops like a sack of potatoes, and covers his head with his hands, but itâs clear that blood is already pouring out from an opening.}
Terri Morasco: Heâs bleeding! Nick Knight is hiding something, if the referee would just check the replay! He could be eliminated!
Vasco Dias: It was a clean shot, Terri, we just have to accept it. Thereâs no evidence.
{Ulf Hednir is getting back up. The referee is tending to Evan âThe Thunderchildâ Albrecht, and Nick Knight charges at Ulf and connects with as many punches as he can with the brass knuckles! Ulf blocks as much as he can, but the damage is being done and he canât keep his arms up for too long from the damage heâs taking to them.}
Terri Morasco: Turn around! Look at it! Look at whatâs in his hand!
Vasco Dias: Nick Knight just getting his own fury, showing this Norseman that heâs not alone!
{The referee begins to turn to Nick Knight, and as if he had a sixth sense, Nick Knight tosses the brass knuckles out of the ring just before the referee can see them; he knees Ulf in the stomach and places him into a side headlock. The referee checks the immediate surroundings and sees no evidence of foul play, so allows the match to continue; Nick Knight grabs Ulf by the arm, and calls for a finish! He connects with Welcome to Hollywood!}
Vasco Dias: There you go! Taste your defeat, Ulf, and disappear back into the woods!
Terri Morasco: Nick Knight did what he had to do, but itâs not right! Itâs not right!
{Thunderchild rolls over onto his stomach, as Nick Knight makes the cover over Ulf: One! ⌠Thunderchild is shaking uncontrollably, and looks through bloodied eyes to see Nick making the cover. Two! ⌠the referee is now bringing his hand down for the third, and final time, but Thunderchild lunges forward and makes the save!}
Terri Morasco: This match is going!
Vasco Dias: That was three. No way that wasnât three. That! Was! Three!
{Nick Knight tries to get to his feet quickly, but Thunderchild is already ahead of him. Nick Knight is barely to his feet when Thunderchild is already firing with wild rights and lefts, and kicks, and knees, and chops, and everything that he has in the firing tank!}
Terri Morasco: Thunderchild has lost it!
Vasco Dias: Whoa! Whoa! Settle down, kid!
{Nick Knight tries to block what he can, but to no avail! Thunderchild lets out a wild howl as he keeps connecting with every shot that seems to find the sweet spot. Ulf Hednir rolls to the edge of the ring, and is trying to get up and shake the cobwebs out. Thunderchild takes his time picking apart the champion! The champion tries to retaliate with a haymaker, but Thunderchild ducks underneath and picks Nick Knight up into a firemanâs carry position!}
Vasco Dias: Can we check him for drugs or something? Thereâs no way heâs still moving like this!
Terri Morasco: The taste of blood seemed to rejuvenate him!
{Thunderchild takes Nick Knight down with one half of his Umbral Danse! He is already to his feet, and springs off the second rope to finish the Umbral Danse! Thunderchild makes the cover: One! ⌠Two! ⌠Ulf makes the save!}
Terri Morasco: All of these men are exhausted but they know whatâs at stake!
{Ulf hurries to his feet. Both Evan Albrecht and Nick Knight are trying to get to their feet, but both of them are dazed; Thunderchild is the first one up, as Ulf rebounds off the ropes! He connects with a second Thor Punch!}
Terri Morasco: Two! Thunderchild has had two Thor Punches this match!
Vasco Dias: But Ulf isnât going for the cover.
Terri Morasco: Well, Nick Knight, the defending champion, is trying to get up!
{Ulf continues and rebounds off the rope a second time, coming back just as Nick Knight turns around and Ulf leaps into the air to connect with The Thor Punch against the champion! Ulf goes for the cover over [ADMIN DECISION]... One! ⌠Two! ⌠Three!}
Announcer: Your winner! By way of pin fall! AND NEW! IWF World Television Champion! ULF! HEDNIR!!!!!
{âRaise Your Hornsâ by Amon Amarth is playing over the speakers as the crowd is in an absolute frenzy! Ulf Hednir stands to his feet, panting, trying to catch his breath, as he stands up and the referee has already retrieved his new championship! Ulf takes the IWF World Television Championship in his hands allowing his eyes to gaze upon his new prize for several seconds before getting his arm raised by the referee with one hand, and he holds the belt up with his other.}
Ulf Hednir: SKĂ
L!!!!!!!!
Crowd: SKĂ
L!!!!!!
{The simultaneous cheer roars through the crowd as Ulf keeps the belt raised up in celebratory victory.}
-------------------------------------
SEGMENT
Ask and you shall receive
-------------------------------------
{ We cut backstage in the KFC Yum arena. The lights are down low, candles a lit in the backdrop, Angel Blake and Dean Harper stand side by side with the IWF Tag Team Championships over their shoulders and sinisters grins on their pale painted faces. }
Angel Blake: Where oh where have all the challengers gone?
Dean Harper: Likely sitting in the back talking themselves up in a way that makes it easier to convince themselves they are worth something.
{ Angel sneers with a huff as he corrects the Championship title over his shoulder. }
Angel Blake: Our name was spoken in vain⌠This action will not go unpunished⌠Nick⌠Nate...You wish to challenge the unbeaten?
Dean Harper: Sure is easy to talk shit from the sidelines. Assuming you donât bust a hip trying to get back into the game this week. Weâre bored. I wouldnât mind another crack at you two.
Angel Blake: All you have to do is ask nicelyâŚ
Dean Harper: Exactly. Ask and you shall receive.
Angel Blake: Do not keep us waitingâŚ
{ With that being said what little light there was begins to fade until only their terrible smiles on their pale painted faces are visible. }
-------------------------------------
 Imperial Diamond Championship Rowan(c) vs Samira Hamilton
-------------------------------------
Alison Valance: The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL! Introducing first, from Coronado, California, weighing in at 129 pounds â SAMIRA HAMILTON!
{Arena light fade down. A pulse sound starts from the arena speaks, carrying with it some added bass. User cameras are shown filling up the entire arena in a sea of light. âBad Guyâ by Billie Eilish tolls over the arena sound system, which also kicks in the purple spotlights, sending everything into a rave like experience until spotting Samira Hamilton looking down toward the wrestling ring from the middle section stands. She begins walking down to the stairs heading to the ground floor of the arena and hops over the soft barricade. Samira stops, looks at ring and proceeds, circling around the ring going to the time keepers position, where she climbs the steel steps nearby and enters the ring.}
Terri Morasco: Samiraâs definitely looking confident tonight, in what could be her first ever IWF Championship Victory.
Vasco Dias: Weâve seen good things from Samira in the past, but one has to wonder if sheâs truly dedicated to the business enough to be ready for whatâs coming her way. Any amount of training time lost could be literal life or death against her opponent tonight.
Terri Morasco: Speaking ofâŚ
Alison Valance: And her opponentâŚ
{Lights out. The thrumming opening of âTrip the Darknessâ by Lacuna Coil pulses through the arena, matched by a few flashing sparks of dark red light throughout the building. Red lights shine down and around the entranceway, still accompanied by sporadic flashing throughout the arena, illuminating the sihlouette of Rowan MacDonnough standing at the top of the ramp, a pair of chains hanging from her wrists. She breathes heavily, shoulders heaving as her head hangs down. As the opening continues, red smoke floods down the ramp as Rowan occasionally twitches spasmodically in rhythm with the music...}
"Come to me, come to me... I am waiting for you. Come to me... I can't wait..."
{As the song roars to life, Rowan's head snaps upwards, glaring around at the audience as her golden eyes glint in the smoke and the red light. The stage and ramp are lit by swirling red light, but everything else remains dark. She lopes forward, unconsciously rolling her wrists as her eyes bore a hole in the air before her. The smoke seems to follow her down the ramp as she walks. She drops the chains as she reaches ringside, climbing up the ropes and perching over the ring on the top corner, standing slowly as she continues to twitch and spasm in time with the music.}
"Follow me, follow me! As I trip the Darkness... one more time!"
{She leaps into the ring, landing with a roll in the center of the ring and pulling into a feral crouch. She stands, raising her arms as though conducting a savage chorus, posing one last time...}
"Follow me, follow me... I awake from madness.... JUST IN TIME!"
{She slowly, reluctantly backs towards a corner, eyes constantly moving as she settles in to wait for the bell.}
Alison Valance: Making her way to the ring, from Kilkenny, Ireland, weighing in at 145 Pounds âThe Wolf of the Abyss, ROWAN MACDONNOUGH!
{She slowly, reluctantly backs towards a corner, eyes constantly moving as she settles in to wait for the bell.}
Terri Morasco: Rowanâs been a series of one surprise after another since her recent return, Vasco⌠I hate to think what she has in store tonight. Do you think Samira has a chance?
Vasco Dias: This is the first time these women have fought one another in singles competition â maybe Samiraâs mix of technical expertise and fearless nature will be enough to counter her strengths?
Terri Morasco: Many technicians have tried and failed, Vasco.
DING!
{The bell rings and Samira and Rowan move around one another, Rowanâs eyes flashing menacingly as she slowly stalks around her prey. They move away from one another before Rowan dashes forward, using her height advantage to push Samira back against the corner, after a four count Rowan releases and backs away pacing like an animal. Samira shakes her head and moves forward, hoping to lock up with Rowan once again, knowing that it is her specialty despite Rowanâs size advantage. Rowan, however, has absolutely none of it, stopping Samiraâs advance with a low kick to the knee. Before Samira can recover, Rowan continues the chain by laying into Samira with a spinning back elbow strike followed by an inverted facelock backbreaker spun into a neckbreaker, leaving The Siren reeling.}
Vasco Dias: A strong opening from the Wolf of the Abyss.
Terri Morasco: That dominating offense is whatâs earned Rowan her place in the Hall of Fame.
{Samira rises to her feet with some help from the ropes, shaking off the cobwebs from Rowanâs flurry of savage strikes. Rowan paces around her, stalking her prey as Samira regains her bearings. As Rowan moves in for another flash of offense, Samira ducks under, quickly moving out of the way before lashing out with a leg sweep. The strike doesnât completely knock Rowan down, but the Wolf of the Abyss does fall to one knee. Samira keeps going, capitalizing on the slightly dropped opponent by striking Rowan with a spinning heel kick. Rowan in dazed, but not down, as Samira tries to force Rowan into the corner, trying desperately to pull the other woman into a German suplex. She isnât quite able to pull it off though as Rowan fights her off, but it is enough to get them into a position that allows Samira to quickly back away, rebound off the ropes, and fly into Rowan with a superkick!}
Vasco Dias: ⌠Thatâs one way to pull a comeback.
Terri Morasco: Letâs see if she can keep it up!
{Samira goes for her grounded opponent, kicking at Rowan a few times in hopes to keep her stunned before hauling her up, setting up for the RENEW! However, Rowan immediately comes to life in her arms, lashing out and struggling hard, throwing off Samiraâs balance. The move still lands hard, sending the champion sprawling, but it didnât have the full effect the move might otherwise have. Undaunted, Samira goes for the cover!
ONE!
TWO!!
T-Rowan gets a shoulder up! Samira rolls away, repeatedly slamming her fists into the mat in a frenzied tantrum.}
Vasco Dias: Maybe a little too soon to be breaking out those kinds of guns, Samira.
Terri Morasco: I think youâre right. If Samira had shown a bit of patience and tried to wear Rowan down a little more, she might have been able to hook the head properly for the move. As it stands, there just wasnât enough gas in that driver to put Rowan away.
{Rowan is laughing, shaking her head as she slowly rises back to her knees. Though she doesnât speak, the message is obvious as her hungry golden eyes lock on Samira Hamilton: âIs That All Youâve Got?â Samira lets out a shout of anger and frustration, snapping to her feet and running to the corner and climbing the ropes as Rowan continues to slowly rise⌠The crowd begins to cheer as they realize what Samiraâs doingâŚ!}
Vasco Dias: Is she� Dios, she HAS to know it's a trap!
Terri Morasco: I think she is! Don't let Rowan get in your head, Samira...!
{The crowd falls briefly silent as Samira launches herself off the top turnbuckle, soaring into the SPIRIT COUP⌠but Rowan snaps to her feet, flipping into the DANCE THE SPIRAL, kicking Samira in midair and driving her hard to the ground!}
Vasco Dias: Weâve seen her use that kick time and again to snatch victory from the grasp of an oncoming opponent. She can be so FAST with that kickâŚ!
Terri Morasco: It looks like Samiraâs in serious trouble nowâŚ
{Rowan circles Samira Hamilton as she struggles back up, staggering away before falling to her knees. Seeing Samira in such a position is all the opportunity Rowan needs as the Wolf of The Abyss dashes forward, grabbing her by the back of the head and wrenching her face to gaze towards the ceiling before dropping her other hand to Samiraâs MouthâŚ}
Vasco Dias: EATER OF SOULS!
{Before Rowanâs fingers even make contact, Samira goes to tap. However, Rowan sees the movement⌠and stops, instead dropping Samira limply to the ground as the Wolf of the Abyss withdraws, eyes burning with hate.}
Terri Morasco: Whatâs that? Whyâd she let go?
Vasco Dias: Because sheâs a psychotic sadist. She wants Samira to suffer, and knowing that sheâll give up so quicklyâŚ
{Eyes alight with savagery, Rowan drives her heel with lethal accuracy into the side of Samiraâs head with the BALORâS GAZE! Samiraâs head snaps hard to the side as she tumbles over, but Rowan does not go for the cover. Instead she shoves her toe under Samiraâs jaw, kicking her up and into the ropes⌠only for Rowan to drive into her once again with another BALORâS GAZE! Samira is too tangled in the ropes to fall to the mat, so Rowan lashes out with a THIRD⌠a FOURTH⌠a FIFTH BALORâS GAZE!
Rowan seethes with fury, pacing like a caged animal before she eyes the turnbuckle. She grabs Samira by the back of the throat, the slightly taller woman too insensate to respond. Rowan uncovers and exposes the turnbuckle before setting Samira up in the corner, placing the exposed turnbuckle right at the base of Samiraâs skullâŚ}
Vasco Dias: Rowanâs gonna KILL HER.
Terri Morasco: SOMEONE DO SOMETHING! STOP THE MATCH!
{Rowan crosses to the other side of the ring⌠before turning and crouching like a wild animal. After a moment glaring her barely-conscious opponent down, she rushes across the ring and throws herself into yet another BALORâS GAZE⌠But the referee shoves her out of the way just in time! Rowan recovers her balance and whirls on the referee, but before she can do anything the ref signals for the bell!}
DING DING DING!
Alison Valance: âHere is your winner, by DisqualificationâŚ. Samira Hamilton! Which means that, per the rules of championâs advantage⌠your IWF Imperial Diamond Champion remains ROWAN MACDONNOUGH!!
Terri Morasco: A surprise victory for Samira⌠if we can call it that.
Vasco Dias: I somehow doubt sheâs feeling particularly victorious. She only won because Rowan refused to accept that early tapout, instead wanting to make a statementâŚ
Terri Morasco: I think this match ended exactly the way Rowan wanted it to⌠a reminder of what sheâs capable of, and how far sheâs willing to go to do what she does best.
{Rowan grabs Samira by the hair, lifting her head off the ground like a grisly trophy before the camera goes to commercial}
-------------------------------------  Women's World Championship match Abigail (c) vs Virginia ------------------------------------- {Tight focus on Alison Valance who smiles as she raises a microphone to her lips.}Alison Valance: Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time for your Main Event of the Evening. The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is for the IWF Womenâs World Championship...
{The lights in the arena start to flicker as the intro to âBitch Better Have My Moneyâ hits the speakers. Smoke pours out onto the stage as Virginia Stepanov steps out. She walks to the head of the ramp, looking around for a moment before she shoots a high front kick into the air to show off and then makes a finger gun with three punctuated âshotsâ towards the crowd at the appropriate time in the song.
She struts down the ramp, mouth moving to sing along to her entrance as her head bobs along with the song. When she gets to the ring she jumps onto the apron, hanging onto the rope and leaning out towards the crowd, throwing a finger gun with another three shots before she steps through the ropes. She slips her coat off and hangs it in the corner.}Terri Morasco: Here comes the challenger, the inaugural and longest reigning former Imperial Diamond Champion in history, who last month defeated the 2020 Heiress To The Throne finalist Cals Jacobsen to earn this opportunity... Vasco Dias: She is one of the most impressive young female athletes we have working in the Imperial Wrestling Federation today. After her almost unparalleled success in her rookie year, Iâm predicting even bigger things for this remarkably gifted young woman in 2021. She can start her new year with a bang if she manages to defeat the reigning Womenâs World Champion here tonight...
{The lights in the dim at the opening twangs of the acoustic guitar. Some in the audience enhance the sound by clapping along to the music as Abigail walks alone out under a soft white spotlight to a mixed reaction. The lights flash sand yellow and soft orange in time with the rhythm. The lyrics of âOutlaws & Outsidersâ by Cory Marks (ft. Travis Tritt, Ivan Moody & Mick Mars) accompanher walk down the ramp, the IWF Womenâs World Championship, hanging from her right hand. The crowd give her a mixed reaction, and she clenches her jaw before pausing in the middle of the ramp, and looking heavenward. She flings her arms out either side of her offering herself up to a Lord she knew to be no longer there.
When there was no salvation, she cracks her neck slightly and continues her journey down the ramp under her own power. She walked up the steps, not to heaven, but into the ring. Ready to defend her position in life, as fiercely as she once defended her faith. Under the spotlight, in the middle of the ring, she drops to her knees and lets out a rebellious yell heavenward as she throws her head back and raises the title in both hands above her head. She breathes heavily, as she focuses on the challenge ahead. The music slowly fades and the lights return to normal.}Terri Morasco: Here is a woman who has had quite an impressive last year of her own, having one of the fastest rises to superstardom here in the Imperial Wrestling Federation since her return. At Lineage, last July, she defeated two time Iron Maiden, Fiona McFly to capture the Womenâs World Championship⌠Vasco Dias: Since then, like Virginia, Abigail has racked up further impressive wins. Notably over four time Womenâs World Champion and two time Heiress To The Throne, Eternity at Diamonds Are Forever last month. However, this is the kind of special encounter where you can just feel that something has to give here tonight between two women who for my money are both at the top of their game right now⌠Terri Morasco: Mark your calendar, Vasco because it doesnât happen very often, but I agree with you. This match has a big time fight feel because of the calibration of the competition involved, but I think Virginia might have the edge because sheâs a legitimate MMA phenomenon and sheâs taken so many names down already. As impressive as Abigail has been, I donât think thereâs any substitute for the kind of physical conditioning Virginia possesses⌠Alison Valance: Introducing first, the challenger, from New York City, New York, VIRRRGIIINNNIIAA STEPPPAAANNOVVV!
{Virginia cracks her neck from side to side, bouncing up and down on the spot, rolling her shoulders, loosening herself up for the contest. Virginia throws a few shadow shots to let Abigail know exactly what was in her very near future.}Alison Valance: And her opponent...from The Bayou, she is the reigning IWF Womenâs World Champion....The Renegade...AAABIIIGAAAIIILLL!
{Abigail stands firm, doing her best not to let her anxieties about facing a younger, more classically trained martial arts specialist overwhelm her. She handed the Womenâs World Championship over to the official.
The official showed the title to Virginia who nodded and the official raised the Championship above the competitors heads as the two women met in the middle of the ring. Virginia mouthed something as she got right up in Abigailâs face.
Abigail took a step back, and Virginia clipped her with a right hand to the face before the bell even rang to start the match. A sign of her utter disdain for the Champion and everything she stood for. Abigail, to her credit, took the shot unphased but did not have an immediate counterattack.
The official handed the title over to a ring side stagehand before signalling for the bell to officially start the contest.
The two women began to circle each other, Virginia with a smirk, tests Abigail by throwing out a kick, which grazes Abigail causing her to jump back slightly. The circle between them widens as Abigail is deliberately trying to keep her distance from the skilled challengerâs most deadly advantages, her strikes.}Terri Morasco: Abigail smartly trying to keep her distance from a skilled striker like Virginia, doesnât matter how hard you might be able to hit somebody if you canât reach them⌠Vasco Dias: You say smart, I say cowardly. Get in there and fight, damn it!
{Virginia barely tolerates much more than a few more moments of Abigailâs evasive tactics and going round in a slow anti-clockwise circle around each other before Virginia is forced to close the distance enough to kick Abigail in the shin. Following the warning shot, Virginia snaps her neck to the right, nods slightly and closes the distance even quicker. Rushing at Abigail, she strikes with several hard right hand blows that rock Abigail. Abigail stumbles back from the impact of the blows to the face and body as the crowd are divided in their support, almost split down the middle.
Virginiaâs blows force Abigail back into a corner. With the Champion cornered and obviously vulnerable, the relentless challenger maintained her striking assault. Raining down blow after blow, literally beating down Abigail in the corner.
Abigailâs only answer is to try and block the thunderous fists with her arms to protect her head and face. Seeing this, Virginia quickly adapts and switches to kicks, to her sides and midsection, forcing Abigail to slip further and further down in the corner until she is sat in the corner, just enduring Virginiaâs stomps to her gut.}
Terri Morasco: Virginia has been on fire here in the early going of this match⌠Vasco Dias: If she keeps this up, itâll be only a matter of mere moments before we see a new Womenâs World Champion, Terri⌠{Virginia relents her dominance of the Champion so far only to step back and throw her arms out and yell something out to the split crowd, âThis is your Womenâs World Champion?â Virginia smirks, knowing she is in full control of the situation. Taking her eyes off Abigail and instead playing up to the crowd even further by motioning the title around her waist. This elicits slightly more boos than cheers but Virginia knew that this was a valuable tool in her continued development as a professional wrestler - being able to generate the desired crowd reaction. Practicing the skill in front of a live sold out crowd combined with her adrenalin of being part of the biggest match of her pro wrestling career so far left her with an incredible feeling, unlike anything sheâd felt before. A feeling she could get used to and would only intensify if she became Womenâs World Champion here tonight.
Virginia is only brought back from soaking it all in when she hears the referee begin to count. The showboating had allowed Abigail to roll under the bottom rope and out of the ring and take a moment to regroup. Abigail takes deep breaths to calm herself, shaking her head slightly as the official countsâŚ
1...2âŚ3...4âŚ}Terri Morasco: Abigail has Championâs advantage here. If she gets counted out, the title will NOT change hands⌠Vasco Dias: A cowardly move for sure but it might be her best chance. Virginia has bested her at every turn so far. Abigail cannot go blow for blow with an experienced MMA fighter like Virginia Stepanov⌠Terri Morasco: I wouldnât count Abigail out just yet, but it is clear that she needs to get back into this match and come up with some kind of answer to the skilled hands and educated feet of her young, hungry challenger⌠{...5...6...7...8âŚ
Abigail shakes her head firmly, not wanting to take the easy way out. It would just give Virginia more excuses to criticise her, even if it was probably the smarter play to avoid another striking contest with Virginia. Abigail slides under the bottom rope and as soon as she finds her feet again, she is struck by a beautiful shining wizard from a waiting Virginia StepanovâŚ}Vasco Dias: Isnât that one of Abigailâs signature moves? Terri Morasco: Youâre right, Vasco, I believe she calls it the Little Light Oâ Mine...if I didnât know better Iâd swear that was a deliberate message to the Champion⌠Vasco Dias: Oh I have absolutely no doubt that thatâs exactly what it was. A little show of âAnything you can do, I can do so much better.â That seems to be Virginiaâs entire mindset not only for this match but for everything she approaches in her life⌠{Virginia scrambles for the cover, not hooking the leg...1...Abigail gets a shoulder up. Undeterred Virginia tries again, hooking the leg this time...1..2...Abigail kicks outâŚ
Virginia slaps the mat in slight frustration, before pulling the Championâs face up to strike her in the face with three stiff shots, after which Virginia transitions to a ground game and just opens up on Abigail with stiff rapid left and rights from her mounted position. Leaning heavily into her proficiency with a developed ground and pound game.
But in her frustration, Virginia is finding it difficult to keep up the pace and adrenaline a professional wrestling match required. Unlike MMA, professional wrestling had no rounds, no scheduled breaks. No defined rest period. One she would have taken advantage of by now, if not having put her opponent down already. It was still a little daunting to get used to the fact that in general wrestling had a much more varied and unpredictable pace, less structure and more uncertainty than an MMA fight. Virginia never did as well with uncertainty and unpredictability. She was much more used to order and control.
Her blows to Abigail got slower, more sluggish, she was not connecting as flush as she would like the longer this match went on. Virginia was forced to pause and take a deep breath. She had been in control most of this whole time, surely she could afford a moment just to catch her breath?
A moment is all Abigail needed however as Abigail spotted the opening she needed and finally delivered her first real bit of offence in this match, having been forced to play defence up until now. Abigail head butted Virginia to momentarily stun her challenger enough to counter the mounted position. She rolled over so she was now on top of Virginia and delivered less focused but still hard hitting shots to Virginiaâs face, screaming in her face as she does so. Virginia tries to cover it up, but doesnât manage it as effectively as she would like as a clearly desperate Abigail is fighting from behind and just hitting any part of Abigail she can as hard as she canâŚ}Terri Morasco: Abigail is finally fighting back! Vasco Dias: Itâs about damn time! Sheâs the Champion! Terri Morasco: Is it too little, too late, though, I wonder? Vasco Dias: Only time will tell, TerriâŚ
Abigail rolls off Virginia and to her feet quickly, pulling a rocked Virginia up to her feet. She then sends Stepanov across the ring with an Irish Whip. On the rebound, Abigail hits her opposition with a picture perfect double under hook backbreaker. Her strategy to keep Virginia from striking her by playing to her strengths and wrestling the MMA knock out specialist starting to come together at last...}Terri Morasco: What a beautiful backbreaker! Vasco Dias: It looks to have driven the air out of Virginiaâs sails, at least for the moment...
{Seizing her advantage whilst she has it, Abigail drags Virginia to her feet and hits her with the Holy Trinity knee combination, striking her opponent in the midsection twice and in the face once. Abigail maintains her grapple however, not allowing Virginia distance or the grace to fall as she transitions into a picturesque Northern Lights Suplex. She holds on for the pinâŚ
1...2...Virginia kicks out!}Terri Morasco: Only a two count...Abigail almost had her after that wrestling exchange⌠Vasco Dias: Abigail is going to have to do a lot better than that to keep a prize fighter like Virginia downâŚ
{Abigail tries not to get too frustrated as she gets to her feet and pulls Virginia up slowly. Virginia tries to create some much needed separation, the longer she allowed Abigail to dictate the pace of this fight as a wrestling match, the more of a disadvantage she would find herself in, she knew.
Virginia had to get back to her striking game, and so she delivered a few shots to Abigailâs ribs to force her a few steps back. With the distance needed, Virginia punches Abigail with piston like shots to the face relentlessly, and it is only after the referee admonished her for the use of closed fists that Virginia switches to elbows, driving her back a few more steps before taking a few steps back herself to deliver a stiff Crescent Kick kick to the side of Abigailâs face. Instinctively falling back on her taekwondo experience to regain the advantage in the match. Abigail would have collapsed to the mat if she hadnât had the fortune to fall back against the ropesâŚ}
Vasco Dias: Virginia is getting herself back into this match⌠Terri Morasco: It would seem so, which is bad news for Abigail...
{With the champion up against the ropes, Virginia lashes out with a few elbow and knee strikes to Abigailâs face and body. Gaining confidence in her strikes and regaining control, Virginia tries a kick which Abigail just about manages to block, before stepping forward slightly and sweeping at Virginiaâs surgically repaired ankle and foot. Having picked it out from experiencing Virginiaâs kicks. Abigail knew Virginia always favoured kicking with one side more than the other. One foot always hit that little bit harder.
Virginia tripped and grimaced slightly as she landed on the canvas. Abigail could isolate the weak spot if she wanted. Spike Kane had taught her his signature Burning Hell ankle lock. She could put Virginia out of commission fairly quickly, at least make her tap out if not snap the ankle that was bolted together anyway. Itâs what Spike would have done without hesitation, but Abigail shook the thought out of her head, she was better than that. She was more than that, instead Abigail mounted her opponent and struck Virginia in the side of her head once, twice, but Virginia blocked the third and tried to transition it into an arm bar.
Abigail did her absolute best to block it as best as she could. Virginiaâs resilience got her some of the manoeuvre, but her hold wasnât as clean or as tight as she would like. Owing more to Abigailâs twisting and turning and fighting against it than Virginiaâs lack of technical knowledge.
They were still close enough to the ropes that Abigail relied on her sense of ring awareness to thrash a leg onto the bottom rope. The official saw this immediately and forced Virginia to break. With the Championâs advantage, the challenger wasnât about to risk a disqualification. That wouldnât earn her the very thing she came to Metamorphosis for tonight - the Womenâs World Championship.}Terri Morasco: Abigail was fighting for her life to escape that hold! Vasco Dias: Because she knew if Virginia got it, it would be all over!
{Virginia rises to her feet first, creating some distance. She then stamps her good foot on the floor a couple of times, earning a mixed reaction from the crowd again.
Virginia is coiled ready to spring into a strike.}Vasco Dias: I think Virginia has had enough, sheâs looking to put this one away⌠Terri Morasco: I think youâre right Vasco, if Virginia hits this we could be moments away from crowning a brand new Womenâs World Champion...
{Abigail gets to her feet slowly. Virginia charges at her looking to take Abigailâs head clean off with a crisp and clean superkick...but Abigail has it scouted and sidesteps it, ducking slightly before scooping Virginia off her feet with a schoolboy roll up pinâŚ
The official takes a moment to get into position and count the fallâŚ
1...2...Virginia kicks out!}Terri Morasco: Abigail counters Virginiaâs own momentum and ends up almost ending the match that quickly... Vasco Dias: There was nothing flashy about it, but it almost certainly caught Virginia off guard!
{The two women quickly separate with Virginia nodding slightly, acknowledging that she almost got caught out. Abigail meets her in the middle, and they exchange blows. Virginiaâs are accompanied by mostly boos from the crowd whilst Abigailâs are met with cheers. Virginia strikes first, each woman alternates five blows each, Virginiaâs landing more flush than Abigailâs. Abigailâs sixth is a huge haymaker which she follows up immediately with the RevelationâŚ}Terri Morasco: Abigail got the better of that exchange⌠Vasco Dias: Just barely, can she capitalise though?
{Rather than follow up with a cover, Abigail made the uncharacteristic move of ascending the nearest turnbuckle. Perched on the top rope, she waits for Virginia to find her feetâŚ}Terri Morasco: We donât usually see Abigail do this, I wonder whatâs going through her head right now⌠Vasco Dias: I couldnât tell you. Maybe she feels she has something extra to prove to Virginia, her most vocal criticâŚ
{Virginia stumbles slowly to her feet and barely had time to register Abigail flying through the air towards her. Thinking on her feet, Virginia makes the snap decision to catch the Champion with her patented Grounded high kick. Unfortunately, as the move was delivered more on instinct rather than planning towards her airborne opponent, she delivered it with the wrong foot. The surgically repaired bones packed considerably less punch than Virginia would have liked, but the job was done...ABIGAIL HAD BEEN DENIED HER ATTEMPTED HIGH RISK MALADJUSTMENT AND GROUNDED FROM MID AIR!
Multiple replays are shown of the moment whilst the commentary team lose their minds and the crowd erupt into âTHAT WAS AWESOME!â Chants.}Vasco Dias: GROUNDED! WHAT A SPECTACULAR COUNTER! Terri Morasco: A MONUMENTAL MISCALCULATION FROM THE CHAMPION! Vasco Dias: Listen to the crowd! If Virginia capitalises here, we will have a new Champion⌠Terri Morasco: We just saw an incredible example of what these two women are willing to sacrifice in order to be called the best female performer in the business today. Theyâve put it all on the line tonight but only one will walk away as Womenâs World Champion!
{Virginia saw Abigail fall out of the air moments before a sharp pain shot through her ankle making her regret the move. Virginia hopped slightly and grit her teeth, shaking her leg. Now desperate to end this match as quickly as she could, Virginia positioned herself in a corner across from where Abigail had fallen. She shakes feeling back into her bad leg as the crowd anticipated that Abigailâs Final Ride was due.
As Abigail found her feet, Virginia charged and made sure this time to deliver her devastating Final Ride with her good foot to get maximum impact and secure herself another title to add to her already impressive list of MMA and IWF accolades, and further cement her name in the history booksâŚ}Vasco Dias: Final Ride incoming...if Virginia hits this, itâs all over! {Abigail manages to dodge the last ride. The two exchange blows back and forth until they both collapse onto the mat
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Alison Valance: This is a draw but due to Champion's advantage ... STILL Womenâs World Champion..AAABBBIIIGAAAIIILLL! -------------------------------------  Men's World title match James Gilmore vs Caleb Lockwood (c)
-------------------------------------
{ A video highlight package of James Gilmore and Caleb Lockwood begins to play, set to a mashup of Phil Collins' original and the Protomen cover versions of "In The Air Tonight." We start the package as LockMore took on Abraxes and Locke in the Tag Team World Cup. }
"I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
And I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, Oh Lord
Can you feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord, oh Lord"
{ We then see the seeds of dissension between the two take shape as they took on the Disciples in their second match. }
"Well, if you told me you were drowning
I would not lend a hand
I've seen your face before my friend
But I don't know if you know who I am
Well, I was there and I saw what you did
I saw it with my own two eyes
So you can wipe off that grin,
I know where you've been
It's all been a pack of lies
And I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
Well, I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord
I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
And I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord, oh Lord"
{ We then see LockMore take on the Fateful Danger, with a spot in the Tag Team World Cup semis on the line, as the two men's different styles widen the fracture. Caleb got the win, but it left JJ with an uneasy feeling in his stomach as the team got set to take on the Powers That Be... }
"Well I remember, I remember don't worry
How could I ever forget,
It's the first time, the last time we ever met
But I know the reason why you keep your silence up,
No you don't fool me
The hurt doesn't show
But the pain still grows
It's no stranger to you and me"
{ ...where things seemed to go well. But with one slap to JJ's face, Caleb ripped the team apart and left the Islander alum high and dry. We then see their next encounter in the ring, with Lockwood hitting Gilmore with his trusty lead pipe! }
"And I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
Well, I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord
I can feel it in the air tonight, oh Lord, oh Lord
But I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord
I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
But I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord
I can feel it in the air tonight, oh Lord, oh Lord, oh Lord
But I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord, oh Lord..."
{ As the song reaches its crescendo, we see individual highlights of both JJ and Caleb in action throughout the last year or so. We then see the last image of a defiant Gilmore staring down Lockwood after the contract signing, the latter sporting a Rowan-style face covering...before transitioning back to live action. The Kentucky crowd is primed and ready for this match, with signs ranging from "Pack-4-Ever" to "Marry Me, JJ!" }
Terri Morasco: This is it! This is what we've been waiting for, James Gilmore and Caleb Lockwood! Two of the best Superstars in IWF today, bar none!
Vasco Dias: This is gonna be a slaughter...!!!
Terri Morasco: Who knows what it's gonna be?!
{ The crowd quiets down as a smiling Alison Valance appears in the center of the ring... }
Alison Valance: The following contest, scheduled for one fall, is for the IWF...MEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!!!
{ ...and the crowd cheers. A roaring scream pierces the air, and as the crunching guitars of "Rise, Rebel, Resist" play, Caleb Lockwood stalks out from the back, stopping himself in the middle of the stage, nodding as he cracks his neck with a smirk. After a moment of taking the crowd in, he stalks down towards the ring, shoulders squared. After his initial glance, he seems to completely ignore the crowd, focused solely on the ring in front of him as he advances with purpose in his eyes. Caleb slides into the ring, pushing himself up to his feet, shooting a death glare at the referee before walking to a corner and grabbing the ropes. Caleb abruptly leans forward and lets his grip arrest his momentum, bouncing back with a manic energy in his movements to repeat the motion as the lights come up and the music fades. }
Terri Morasco: Love him or hate him, you can't deny that Caleb Lockwood has always been one of the fiercest IWF stars out there!
Vasco Dias: He loves to hurt people, Terri! And Gilmore's gonna get hurt!
{ The opening intro to âShell Shockedâ begins to play as we see a video package showcasing James Gilmore from his early childhood days--via black-and-white home movie footage as well as still photos--to his days as a high school and, later in life, a a student of history at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. }
âKnock, knock, you about to get shell shocked
Knock, knock, you about to get shell shocked
Knock, knock, you about to get shell shocked
Knock, knock, you about to get shell shockedâŚâ
{ We then see distorted images of Gilmore during his early wrestling career, including images from his successful tag-team run on the independent circuit. The images, as well as the song, start to fuzz out like an old analog TV as images from his IWF career flash through before turning itself off. }
The Voice of James Gilmore:
âGet your popcorn ready, dudes and dudettes! Time for some good olâ-fashioned entertainment!!â
{ Suddenly, jets of water burst from all sides as the opening strains to the Offspring classic âNitro (Youth Energy)â begins to play. As a spotlight shines, we see the image of James Gilmore as he rides onto the stage in a custom-built patriotic-themed Harley-Davidson, complete with All Infamous Academy decals and "#2021" on his rear license plate. As he revs the motorcycleâs powerful motor, more jets of water shoot up from all sides as we get a closer look at his wrestling attire. }
âOur generation sees the world
not the same as before
We might as well just throw it all
And live like there's no tomorrow
There's no tomorrow
We are the ones
Who are living under the gun every day
You might be gone before you know
So live like there's no tomorrow"
{ Tonight, the Islander alum wears attire that looks very reminiscent of what men wore during the era of the Old West--complete with a white long-brimmed hat and even a cigar! The crowd absolutely eats it all up as James tips his hat before revving his engine and driving down the ramp. }
âAin't gonna waste this life
There's no tomorrow - you ain't gonna live it for me
There's no tomorrow - ain't gonna waste this life
There's no tomorrow - you ain't gonna live it for me
Believe it
The official view of the world has changed
In a whole new way
Live fast cause if you don't take it
You'll never make itâ
{ Gilmore stops just a few feet short of the ring and takes off the bandana that serves as his facemask and tossing his hat into the crowd. }
âSo if you understand me
And if you feel the same
Then you will know what Nitro means
You'll live like there's no tomorrow - Ain't gonna waste this life
There's no tomorrow - You ain't gonna live it for me
There's no tomorrow...â
{ James continues to pose for the fans, taking in the moments around him with wonder as he awaits for the bell to sound. }
Vasco Dias: These idiot fans are so gullible!
Terri Morasco: What a ride for this man! If you were to tell me that James Gilmore, in 2021, would be at hte pinnacle of his career..say, three years ago?! Even I'd have laughed!
Vasco Dias: Give the guy credit where it's due, he's busted his ass out week in and week out.
{ Blue Shoes holds the IWF Men's World title above his head as the crowd cheers. After handing off the belt to special guest presenter Rick Pitino, former coach of the Louisville Cardinals basketball program, he calls for the bell! }
[DING!]
{ This was a pretty fun match all-around, with both men showing just how far along they've come in their careers. James Gilmore gets off to a goot start, surprising Caleb Lockwood with his brand of crafty moves! He places the Men's World champion into a pair of armdrag takedowns, following those up with a standing Samoan drop! James climbs up to the second buckle and nails his opponent with a diving headbutt, scoring him a count of two. }
Terri Morasco: You can tell James wants this one! He's got momentum early on...
Vasco Dias: It won't last...
{ Gilmore throws Caleb to the outside and attempts a suicide dive...only to crash and burn on the arena floor! Blue Shoes, with no count-outs involved, watches as Lockwood flings Gilmore into the steel steps! He then applies a quick snap suplex on the outside before chucking the Islander alum back into the ring! Firing off some Muay Thai knee strikes to James' temples, Caleb has the Islander alum at his whim before planting him to the deck with a running somersault neckbreaker that gets him a two-count as well! }
Vasco Dias: Keep it goin'!
Terri Morasco: Who's gonna want this match more?!
{ For the next seven minutes, it was a back-and-forth affair between both men as they traded two-counts and some really solid maneuvers. Caleb and James continue duking it out; eventually, the Islander alum is shot into the topes, ducks underneath a clothesline, and goes for a bicycle kick...only to accidentally smack Blue Shoes in the schnozz as Lockwood uses the ref as a human shield! Lockwood cackles with glee as Blue Shoes crumples to the deck in a heap as JJ shakes his head, realizing the accident. }
Terri Morasco: Blue Shoes goes down!
Vasco Dias: There's no way to keeo law and order now!
{ With no zebra, Caleb smirks from ear to ear as he hops down to ringside, looks underneath, and grabs his trusty lead pipe! Gilmore is still checking on the official, not watching as Lockwood gets back into the ring and stalks his prey. The HD microphones, through the crowd's din, are able to pick up Caleb telling his opponent "Time for you and Gaither to reunite!" Caleb tries to hit James in the back of his head with the pipe, but James -- acting on instincts -- grabs his arm and strikes down hard on the nerve behind his forearm, below the elbow's crease! }
Vasco Dias: What the--?!
{ Caleb tries to fight back, but Gilmore responds by reaching back and striking Caleb hard across the collar bone, leading him to drop the pipe! }
Terri Morasco: Caleb's gone completely numb! Gilmore's using a trick he teaches his students in personal self-defense!
Vasco Dias: That didn't look like personal self-defense to me!
Terri Morasco: Pressure point techniques!
{ With Lockwood at his mercy, Gilmore swings around and delivers a massive ShellShocker! The fans go wild as Caleb lies on the canvas after being flipped head over heads, but JJ sees the lead pipe and picks it up! He then stalks his intended target, eager to initiate the final blow! }
Terri Morasco: Don't do it, JJ! It's not worth it!
Vasco Dias: DO IT!!!
{ James, his voice being picked up in HD, utters the famous line "strike first, strike hard, no mercy!" He then aims the pipe right at the back of Caleb's noggin...but Caleb hits a hard kick to the midsection of James and then a nasty chop across the chest before grabbing James with a Fading Hope Evenflow DDT! JJ is spiked to the mat as Caleb goes for the pin... }
1...!
2...!!
THREEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWW...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
{ Gilmore just manages to get his should up! Caleb is in disbelief as he argues with Blue Shoes about the three count. James in the meantime is crawling for his life toward the ropes. Caleb turns his attention back toward James and sees Gilmore trying to roll to the outside. }
Vasco Dias: Get him Caleb!
Terri Morasco: What is Gilmore trying to do!?
{ James almost gets to roll out but Caleb is on him with a vicious stomp. Caleb drags Gilmore by the beard back into the middle of the ring and pulls him up for another Fading Hope. Gilmore manages to throw his hips and reverse it with a suplex bridged into a pin but Caleb kicks out at one. Caleb is right up and James is struggling. Caleb comes in with a hard knee strike! No! Gilmore hooked the leg and pulls Caleb into a school boy pin! It's a one, two and a kick out! }
Vasco Dias: They're running on fumes!
Terri Morasco: What do they have left to give!?
{ Caleb kicks free and goes right for the Curb Stomp but Gilmore grabs him for a roll up. Caleb kicks out again at two and gets right back to his feet but James launches himself forward with a devastating clothes line! Gilmore drags himself to the apron and pulls himself up. Caleb is exhausted as he gets up. James sets himself up and launches himself into the ring with the Powerwave but Caleb ducks it! James turns and Caleb hits a hard kick and grabs James for Fading Hope but Gilmore drives Caleb back into the corner! }
Terri Morasco: James refuses to die!
Vasco Dias: So does Caleb!
{ James lays in some body shots but Caleb drills James in the back of the neck with an elbow shot. Caleb delivers a hard knee to the face of Gilmore. Gilmore socks Caleb in the gut. Caleb slaps Gilmore across the face. Gilmore pulls himself up and the two start to exchange palm strikes. They go back and forth for thirty solid seconds before Caleb almost knocks James head off with a palm strike. James throws a wild clothesline but Caleb gets under it, hits the ropes and comes back with the Poison Pill! Caleb no stalks Gilmore and sets up his finish. Caleb pounds the mat with his right foot. James is struggling to get up. Caleb comes in looking for the Curb Stomp but Gilmore dodges it and comes up behind Caleb with a back slide pin! Caleb is struggling hard but Gilmore has him in good ring position and Blue Shoes makes the count! }
1...!
2....!!
THREEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[DING-DING-DING!!!]
Alison Valance: Here is your winner...AND ONCE AGAIN!!!...IWF Men's World Champion!! JAAAAAMES GIIIIIILMOOOOOORE!!!!!!!!
{ "Nitro (Youth Energy)" begins playing again as the crowd erupts! White confetti and streamers fall from the ceiling as James Gilmore is handed the Men's World title from Blue Shoes! }
Terri Morasco: For the second time in his career, James Gilmore is the Men's World Champion! What a ride he's had!!
Vasco Dias: James Gilmore stole that victory! Caleb had this match won and Gilmore pulled it off by luck alone!
Terri Morasco: Sometimes luck is all it takes!
Vasco Dias: I don't think Gilmore will get so lucky next time...
{ Yet as the show comes to a close, we see that the Islander alum is too exhausted to even celebrate his victory!!! }
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Well howdy there pardner.