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HOUR ONE
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{ The show opener for Friday Night Sacrifice plays to the theme of Born for One Thing by Gojira showing clips of all the current champions as well as some of the biggest stars in IWF currently. After the open plays we head to the studio where Laura Howlett stands with Keybo Shabaz. }
Laura Howlett: Welcome back to another blockbuster edition of the number one rated professional wrestling program in the entire world! I am your host and manager of the man this company is terrified to put their machine behind, Laura Howlett! Besides me is someone I am eternally sorry you have to watch and listen to, Keybo Shabaz!
Keybo Shabaz: I always look forward to how you're going to bury me, Laura.
Laura Howlett: Hey, if you're good at something then you run it into the ground.
Keybo Shabaz: I don't think that's the sang. Anyway we have monstrous night of matches for you!
Laura Howlett: Two huge contenders matches where the winners will get a World Television Title Shot and a Women's World Title shot, respectively.
Keybo Shabaz: Alex Blade looks to keep the ball rolling as he steps into the ring with Thunder Sid!
Laura Howlett: And in the main event, the Heir to the Throne finals! JC Keeton takes on Roberto Verona! That could easily be a match of the year by the time the show ends.
Keybo Shabaz: I completely agree! But first we kick things off with IWF's newest signee, Alex Blade!
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SINGLES MATCH
Alex Blade vs Thunder Sid
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{ Cut The Cord by Shinedown comes on and Alex Blade comes out at the crowd entrance wearing grey and red tights and black kick pads boots and wearing a muscle shirt he looks at all the fans. He makes his way down the crowd entrance with a focus look on his face and lets the fans touch him. He climbs over the barricade. He climbs the steel steps and stops for a moment. Then jumps inside the ring he takes off his muscle shirt and throws it to a fan. And get ready for his opponent to enter the ring. }
{ Thunder Sid enters the ring. }
Laura Howlett: I'm not going to stand here and lie and say I see a huge upside in Alex Blade.
Keybo Shabaz: Don't you say that every week?
Laura Howlett: I felt it bared repeating.
Keybo Shabaz: I disagree fully.
Laura Howlett: And there's a reason you're my cohost and not a head of talent.
Keybo Shabaz: Because Eddie D does such an amazing job.
Laura Howlett: Better than you! He could probably call the action with me better too!
Keybo Shabaz: Well then you should just marry Eddie D if you love him so much!
Laura Howlett: That's disgusting, Keybo, we're like brother and sister.
Keybo Shabaz: No surprise there.
Laura Howlett: How about we call this match?
Keybo Shabaz: Sounds good to me.
{ Alex and Thunder kick things off with a tie up but Blade is quick to transition into a wristlock takedown and right into a wristlock stomp. From there Blade goes to lock in a fujiwara Armbar but Sid is able to get to the ropes to break the hold. Thunder Sid pulls himself up on the ropes but Blade is right there with a bicycle knee strike! Blade then quickly grabs Sid for the Raging Suplex! Thunder Sid tries to get up but Blade is on him with the Knee of Doom! Alex hits the top rope while Thunder Sid is down and comes off the top with the Burning Splash! Alex then locks Thunder sid into the Grasp of Death where Thunder Sid taps right out giving Alex Blade the victory at three minutes and four seconds! }
Keybo Shabaz: Alex Blade with the victory building up a little steam as we head into Legacy.
Laura Howlett: Not bad but I'm not holing my breath for anything special.
Keybo Shabaz: Can you hold your breath for our next segment?
Laura Howlett: You mean the Rising Dragons come to the ring to say something about America or whatever? I'll take a hard pass on this and let you try to hype up what is sure to be an utter embarassment.
Keybo Shabaz: Next up we hear from the Rising Dragons!
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SEGMENT
The Rising Dragons think they deserve a tag team title shot
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{ We find Caroline Machado, sporting a T-shirt that says āRave on!ā after the 1950s Buddy Holly tune, standing backstage with the Rising Dragons -- James Gilmore and Nick Danger. }
Caroline Machado: Hi!!!! Tonight, I am standing here with the Rising Dragons, who have more on there minds than just Oklahoma barbecue ribs!
{ JJ looks a little shaky, knowing he has a match later on in the program. He nods warmly and allows for Nick to have the limelight. }
Nick Danger: The Rising Dragons are coming for āThe Violent Tendenciesā for the tag team titles soon. So that's why we are going to be more focused in the tag team division to rack up more wins and to be one step closer to challenging the current tag team champions.
{ Caroline flashes that classic grin. }
Caroline Machado: Dāawww...JJ?! Cāmon now, thereās nothing to shake about. Think of this chance like...hrm, stepping onto the court for the Oklahoma City Sonics
{ James chuckled. }
James Gilmore: Ya mean the Oklahoma City Thunder, right?!
Caroline Machado: Tee-hee! Basketball players are too grumpy!
{ Caroline laughed as JJ shakes his head. }
James Gilmore: Seriously though, I havenāt thought about tag-team gold in, gosh, many years. I got my start on theindy tourinā circuit beinā on a tag-team, so yeah...why not come full circle. āCuz unlike James Harden or Russell Westbrook, who punked out on OKC a decade ago to join super-teams, the Rising Dragons..are here to stay!
{ JJ leaves and so does Nick, leaving Caroline alone to collect her thoughts. }
Caroline Machado: The Rising Dragons...they are super-crazy! Let us go back to the studio...
-------------------------------------
HEIR TO THE THRONE TEN MAN MATCH
1K RP Word Limit
One Pinfall or Submission to win. Winner receives a World TV Title Match at Legacy
1K RP Word Limit
Stephen Terrella vs James Gilmore vs Abraxes vs Chris Diamond vs Tytus Rost vs Nick Knight vs Pax Stormcrow
-------------------------------------
Laura Howlett: So the Rising Dragons want a tag team title shot without having to earn it? Great. Whyād that sniper have to miss?
Keybo Shabaz: Laura!
Laura Howlett: I didnāt say which sniper!
Keybo Shabaz: We all know what you meant.
Laura Howlett: Maybe. Next up weāve got a seven man match for a shot at the World Television Championship!
Keybo Shabaz: This is huge. Most of the Heir to the Throne competitors get a second chance at a championship match!
Laura Howlett: Unfortunately we all know who is going to win this thing.
Keybo Shabaz: Tytus Rost, Iām guessing.
Laura Howlett: You guess right! Letās get to the entrances!
{ We see the highlights of all seven participants entrances. }
Laura Howlett: Iāve been saying this almost every week but hear me out. This may be the biggest match in the history of Sacrifice.
Keybo Shabaz: Numbers wise? For the men? It has to be close if not the by the numbers biggest.
Laura Howlett: Tytus is clearly head and shoulders above the rest but one pin or submission to win? This could go any number of ways. But to be clear, Tytus is going to win.
Keybo Shabaz: I admire the confidence in your client but I donāt think itās quite so clear cut.
Laura Howlett: And thatās your factually wrong opinion and time will prove me right.
Keybo Shabaz: Letās get to the match!
{ The match starts with an explosion in the middle of the ring. All seven men just crashing into each other. Fists flying. Eventually they start to pair off. Chris and James work their way to a corner. Knight and Abraxes rekindle their rivalry. Tytus goes for Pax. Terrella teams up with his partner in battling James. Tytus is trying to work over Pax with some heavy shot but Pax is able to drop Rost to the mat with a double leg takedown. Knight and Abraxes spill to the outside where Abraxes then sends Knight into the ring post. Chris and Stephen are working over Gilmore hard in the corner and then hit a two man slap jack on him. Pax moves into position for a crossface but Tytus powers his way up and grips onto Pax for a massive sidewalk slam. Knight recovers on the outside and hits a huge discus clothesline on Abraxes. Chris and Stephen pull James up off the mat and send him into the rope. James comes back with a crossbody on Violent Tendencies! Knight pulls Abraxes up and Abraxes hurls Knight into the crowd barrier. Abraxes then charges in and hits a massive spear sending both men into the crowd. Tytus rips Pax up off the mat and two handed choke tosses him but Pax lands on his feet. Pax charges back and does a drop behind on Tytus before grabbing him for a dumping German suplex. Gilmore heads to the top rope and hits a flying headbutt on Chris Diamond!
Abraxes and Knight continue to do battle out into the crowd. Pax pulls Tytus up and Tytus snaps back to life with Rasputins Will! Tytus goes for a cover but James is able to break it up. James pops up and Stephen is on him with the Body Shot and the Diffuser! Tytus turns his attention to Terrella but Chris comes in with a running big boot and pulls Rost into Gran Torino! In the crowd, Nick Knight hits a La La Land Suplex on Abraxes into a pile of steel chairs! Stephen and Chris come face to face and then trade dance partners. Chris goes to James, Stephen to Tytus. Abraxes fights his way out of the pile of chairs and drops Knight with a urinagi on the concrete floor! Chris has James but Gilmore fights his way back with body shots and then a Shellshocker! Stephen sees his partner go down and this gives Tytus the opening to grab Terrella for Ursa Major!
Pax suddenly comes back and grabs Tytus with a Saito suplex! Gilmore spots Pax and charges in but Stormcrowd hits him with a spine buster! Chris is up and runs at Pax but misses the big boot. Pax goes behind and hits Diamond with an Olympic slam! Terrella is up now but Pax is right on him with a Dragon suplex! Knight and Abraxes are fighting their way back toward the ring now but Pax has the momentum. Stormcrow grabs Tytus and pulls him up and into the Peace Out! Pax bridges for the pin. Abraxes and Knight spot it but Abraxes stops Knight. Chris and Stephen come to. James is starting to get up. But before anyone can break the pinfall the refereeās hand hits three and the bell is rung! Pax Stormcrow is the winner at thirteen minutes and forty four seconds!!! }
Laura Howlett: NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
Keybo Shabaz: Pax Stormcrow has done it! He stepped into the ring with six other men and somehow found a way to win!
Laura Howlett: Tytus kicked out!
Keybo Shabaz: I donāt think he did.
Laura Howlett: That ref is blind!
Keybo Shabaz: Again, I donāt think he is.
Laura Howlett: This is the greatest travesty in the history of the IWF!
Keybo Shabaz: Pax Stormcrow has been a stand out since the beginning of the Heir to the Throne and he just showed the world heās the real deal. JC Keeton better have eyes in the back of the head as he steps into the ring with Roberto Verona later tonight.
Laura Howlett: Iām utterly speechless.
Keybo Shabaz: Thank god.
Laura Howlett: Take us home Keybo, I need to go talk to my client.
Keybo Shabaz: Well thatās it for Hour one of Sacrifice but donāt go anywhere! Weāve got a battle royal to determine the number one contender for the Womenās World title as well as the Heir to the Throne finals! For the disappointed Laura Howlett, Iāve been Keybo Shabaz! Weāll see you next week!
-------------------------------------
HOUR TWO
-------------------------------------
Summer Thompson: Hi guys, gals, and nonbinary pals! Isn't this exciting? Ella and I are back again for Hour two of Friday night! That was a hell of a match in hour one! Donāt you think, Ella?
Ella Kelley: Pax came out and didnāt just put it down he came out looking like a badass.
Summer Thompson: Well, let's get into it!
-------------------------------------
BATTLE ROYAL
Winner receives a IWF Women's World Championship Match at Legacy
Dakota Bowman vs Amber Cooke vs Virginia Stepanov vs Abigail vs Cals Jacobsen vs Fiona McFly vs Shelly Diamond
-------------------------------------
Ella Kelley: And next we have the battle royale match for a chance to fight Eternity at Legacy.
Summer Thompson: Thereās been a lot of rough words said leading up to this match.
{The guitars of "The World Is Yours" start up and the arena is bathed in lights for a minute before Amber comes stalking as the first main riff kicks in, walking at medium pace and pausing in the middle of the ramp, taking in the surroundings before she circles the ring with the occasional slam of the mat in time with the drums before hopping the ring apron and actually hyping the crowd up some and then jumping over the top rope to spin the centre of the ring and the find a corner as she disrobes }
Ella Kelley: Amber has been pretty quiet leading up to this match.
Summer Thompson: Iām sure she just has other things on her mind.
{The arena goes dark Before the roar of the great Gojira pierces the arena and āGodzillaā hits the P.A And out comes stomping The hooded figure of Dakota. Briefly lifting her hood to peek at the crowd before marching down to the ring. Stomping along the apron after climbing the stairs and climbing one Turn buckle form the outside whipping the hood back to Roar to the ceiling, before climbing herself over Marching to the middle of the ring and doing it again.}
Ella Kelley: I mean, if girl wants to be a monster, let her.
Summer Thompson: Sheās also been weirdly quiet.
{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 their 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.}
Ella Kelley: Cals not holding anything back tonight.
Summer Thompson: Nor should they.
{ The lights in the arena dim to a dull grey as smoke emits from the ramp way. Envy by Ice Nine Kills hits the pa as the lights in the arena turn bright white. As the song really kicks in the lights die down to a normal level to reveal Shelly Diamond standing on the ramp posing like her ex husband with her arms outstretched. She throws her arms down as pyro erupts behind her before strutting her way toward the ring to the beat of the music. Shelly walks up the steps then climbs up the outside ropes before throwing her arms out again as the lights in the arena turn up to a blinding level. When the lights return to normal she is now standing in the center of the ring, ready and waiting. }
Ella Kelley: Shelly just walking in like she owns the place. Love to see it.
Summer Thompson: She has had her eye on Tara for a while, I wonder if this is something she can really focus on?
{The lights in the arena start to flicker as the intro to āBitch Better Have My Moneyā 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 āshotsā towards the crowd ad 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.}
Ella Kelley: Virginia looking like a badass bitch here.
Summer Thompson: You have a type.
{ A video package begins playing to a rock-remix version of Rachel Platten's "Fight Song," showing a montage of Fiona McFly at various stages of her life including home movie footage of the famous 1994 go-kart race in the Texas Hill Country. We see photos of Fiona from her high school and college graduation ceremonies until we finally see an image of her standing next to the late Jack Gaither on their wedding day. The black-and-white photo fades down into a distorted image as the initial tune becomes slowed down, like a phonograph. Then... }
"ONE! TWO!!
ONE-TWO!!!
ONE-TWO-THREE-FOUR!!!!"
{ ...a blast of pyro goes off as the Halestorm song "Love Bites (So Do I) kicks into high gear. We see Fiona hopping onto the stage with a rugged smile on her face, looking around at the cheering crowd as she twirls a replica of her trusty bullwhip around and around. }
"Don't listen what your girlfriend says
She reads those magazines
That say you fail the test
You don't have what she needs
I'll slither like a viper
And get you by the neck
I know a thousand ways to help you forget about her
That chick can eat her heart out
Love bites, but so do I, so do I
Love bites, but so do I, so do I
Love bites..."
{ She strolls down the rampway, hugging and high-fiving folks along the way before handing the replica whip to a child as a souvenir. }
Ella Kelley: I swear that entrance gets longer all the time.
Summer Thompson: It does, doesnāt it?
{The lights in the arena dim at the opening drums and guitar. 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 āHallelujah (Iām Not Dead)ā by Citizen Soldier accompany her walk down the ramp. 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. She breathes heavily, as she focuses on the challenge ahead. The music slowly fades and the lights return to normal.}
Ella Kelley: Abigail had some pretty harsh things to say about the other women in this division, do you think that might bite her in the back?
Summer Thompson: Back? No. Front? Possibly.
{As soon as the bell rings all the people go for each other. Shelly, Cals and Fiona go for Abigail who fights against them as best she can. Virginia goes after Amber and Dakota. Everyone is unloading everything they have. Abigail hits Fiona away but Cals and Shelly donāt lighten up their assault. Virginia pushes both Dakota and Amber over the top!}
Ella Kelley: Did you see that?!
Summer Thompson: Hard to miss!
{Virginia turns and throws herself into the fray where Abigail is. With Virginiaās pent up aggression on full display, Cals slips away and capitalizes and tosses Fiona Mcfly out of the ring!}
Ella Kelley: And then there were four!!!
Summer Thompson: Hot damn, Cals is on fire!
{Virginia hits Abigail with a CLAYMORE KICK as Shelly hits her with a FROM THE FLAMES! Abigail goes down and Virginia pushes Shelly back as she picks up Abigail and tosses her out.}
Ella Kelley: Oh wow!
Summer Thompson: Team work makes the dream work!
{Virginia looks to Cals and Shelly. Shelly and Cals go right for her. Almost pushing her over the top but she kicks Cals in the face. Cals staggers back a second and thatās all Virginia needs to get back on her feet. Shelly hits Cals with a Diamond Cutter and pushes them over the top rope.}
Ella Kelley: And then there were two!
Summer Thompson: Shelly and Virginia! Holy heck this is gonna be intense!
{Virginia and Shelly unleash hell on one another. Both have brief moments of almost getting the other out of the ring before Shelly manages to push Virginia over the top.}
Ella Kelley: Holy shit!
Summer Thompson: Oh my g...clearly not her exe husband!
{Shellyās music plays as she stands in the ring and confetti reigns down.}
Ella Kelley: Shelly won! She won!
Summer Thompson: Sheās going to face Eternity at Legacy!
-------------------------------------
SEGMENT
Vendetta speaks out
-------------------------------------
{ The lights in the arena darken, and blue and white spotlights are cast upon the stage. Snow falls from the rafters, gently dancing in the lights, and landing softly onto the stage as the opening to Nonpoint's "In The Air Tonight" echoes throughout the arena. JessƩ Marchand steps out from behind the curtain first, followed closely by Travis Reinhart. Marchand kneels on the stage with his head bowed, tapping his fist to his nose three times; while Reinhart stands behind him and runs his thumb across his throat in a slashing gesture. }
{ Reinhart and Marchand begin to walk toward the ring, eventually making their entrance into the squared circle via the stairs. They position themselves near the ropes closest to the camera. Marchand waves the music down, ready to get down to business. }
JessƩ: "Last week we came down to this ring and we won, the same way we've came down to this ring and won week after week since the day we arrived here. That's our expectation for ourselves because we are the best tag team in the world today, bar none. The results speak for themselves."
Travis: "They tried to shut us out. They try to hold us down. When Vendetta steps through these ropes though, we're undeniable."
{ Reinhart leans forward, resting his forearms on the top rope, and casually holding the microphone sideways in front of his mouth. }
Travis: "So their answer is to invite us how here to talk, not wrestle; but talk is cheap, and it doesn't put championships around these waists. We came here to wrestle, to test ourselves against the best competition in the world, and to win."
Travis: "We've been trying to earn a Tag Team Championship opportunity for months here. We've been trying to go along to get along, so to speak. It just seems to us everyone has an angle here. Team Diversity Hire had a Tag Team Championship shot already, and they lost. They sat there last week though and asked for another one, having not done a damn thing to earn it. Now you think you're going to cut the line on us?"
{ Reinhart shakes his head, incredulous. }
Travis: "The Rising Dragons were here earlier, and they're trying to push their way into the picture ahead of us. If there are any of you out there asking who in the hell that is, I get it... because you can count the number of tag team matches they've had on one hand. What's going on in their heads is a mystery to me, but it's bullshit. What, you think we're just supposed to sit back and wait for our chance because you're James Gilmore, and you found some kid to drag along with you who's going to save wrestling?"
{ Reinhart pulls away from the ropes, visibly agitated. }
Travis: "The hell with that, and the hell with all of you!"
{ Marchand pats his partner on the back. He brings the microphone to his mouth, holding his words momentarily until a smattering of jeers from the crowd quiets down. }
JessƩ: "It's not that we think of any of you as lesser than us; but championship opportunities should be earned, and the results in the books should matter. We earned our way and have waited our turn, and now you will wait yours'. Violent Tendencies is in our crosshairs. We'll have what we want... what we have earned... and if not, there may be some people around here that become uncomfortable with what happens next because we've never seen things so clearly."
{ Marchand drops the microphone, and it lands with an audible thud on the canvas as Reinhart runs his thumb across his throat. Vendetta takes their leave as "In The Air Tonight" plays them out. }
-------------------------------------
HEIR TO THE THRONE FINALS
SINGLES MATCH
JC Keeton vs Roberto Verona
-------------------------------------
{The beat to "Born Legendary" by Emanuel Vo Williams hits.}
I crawled out the gutter
I rose to the top
My reign everlasting
I canāt be stopped
I was made for the throne
Rise up til I moan
You been waiting on a ruler
Well Iām home
{As soon as he says the word "Home" pyro explodes from the rampway as JC Keeton steps through the curtain, the crowd roaring its love from the moment he emerges. He makes his way to the ring bouncing in rhythm to the music. When he reaches the ring he leaps up onto the apron and steps through the ropes, He continues to sway and bounce from heel to heel as he awaits the match to start, a massive "J-C! J-C! J-C!" chant ringing out through the rafters.}
Terri Morasco: Feel. This. Moment. Feel the love, the pure passion these fans have for this young man. JC Keeton is staring down the biggest test of his career, and he has the world behind him.
Vasco Dias: And against him, the single most efficient crusher of hope the wrestling world has ever known. Tonight is the night, though, you are 100% correct. Win or lose, I feel like we're going to be talking about tonight for the rest of our lives.
{The lights in the arena all go out at "King of the World" by Porcelain and the Tramps begins to blare out of the PA system. Spotlights begin to scan the crowd before fixating on a figure at the top of the stage which is revealed to be Roberto Verona, his head bowed towards the floor. As cheers being to resonate around the arena Verona raises his head and he begins a slow methodical march down the ramp, the spotlight following him as golden pyro rains down from above on the stage. Verona stares with disgust at the crowd who cheer him as he approaches the ring, but he doesn't react to them. As he reaches the steps he slowly ascends them before walking towards the middle of the ring apron, turning around to look into the crowd one last time before looking up and closing his eyes as he stretches his arms out wide and basks in the adulation. After indulging himself Verona climbs into the ring, psyching himself up as he awaits the beginning of the match.}
Vasco Dias: The man. The top of the food chain. The visionary who made the Imperial Wrestling Federation a reality eight years ago through bloody-minded force of will, and has helped keep it afloat ever since. Roberto Verona is a singular being, Terri. We're privileged to witness him.
Terri Morasco: I wish I could argue with you for tradition's sake, Vasco, but...you're not wrong. He's one of the most polarizing figures in the wrestling industry, and at thirty-eight years, fifteen years his opponent's senior, he seems to be making like a fine Italian wine and only getting better with age. We're going to go down to the ring now for introductions with our senior announcer, Alison Valance. Alison?
{The lights dim as the two men step to the center, haloed by a spotlight. Alison steps forward, nodding confidently as the focus shifts to her.}
Alison Valance: The following contest is the finale to the 2021 Heir to the Throne tournament, and it is scheduled for ONE FALL!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
Alison Valance: Introducing first...to my left. He stands six feet, one inch tall. He weighed in tonight at 217 pounds. From Lexington, Kentucky, he is the Thoroughbred, J! C! KEETON!
{JC steps into Verona's face, throwing his fist in the air as the crowd roars for him, nodding confidently and talking a little trash to the boss. For his part, Verona seems unfazed, merely nodding quietly, his gaze never leaving Keeton's, even as the referee steps in to separate the two.}
Alison Valance: And his opponent, standing to my right. He stands six feet, two inches tall. He weighed in tonight at 220 pounds. From Firenze, Italy by way of Chicago, Illinois...he is the Chief Operating Officer of the Imperial Wrestling Federation, and an IWF Hall of Famer...ROBERTO! VERONA!
{The crowd cheers Verona as well, respect for both the man's skill and his legacy, splitting the crowd down the middle with "LET'S GO KEE-TON!" "VE-RO-NA!" chants. Verona, for his part, merely nods, still staring at his opponent, still focused on the only thing that matters, maybe one of the only two humans that exists to him beyond the official in this moment. Alison exits the ring, and both men move back to their corners, JC testing the ropes as Verona rolls up his sleeves, loosening his tie and performing a few small stretches. Blue Shoes looks between the men, checking with them both, and the bell rings, already sending the crowd into an explosive reaction!}
Terri Morasco: A pop like that for the bell sounding, you have to wonder what tonight is going to be like.
Vasco Dias: Begging the marketing department's forgiveness? Immortal.
{The bell rings, and the two men move to the center of the ring, teasing a lock-up. JC, though, has other ideas, firing a quick and hard calf kick to Verona's leg! Roberto winces as it makes contact, shaking it out, and JC offers another lock-up, unable to keep the smirk from his face. Verona accepts, and this time the knucklelock is established. Both men, of relatively similar height and strength, push back and forth, but Verona finds an advantage by breaking his grip on JC's right hand and twisting into a wristlock on his left. Bearing down on the hold, JC struggles against it, flipping forward and rolling to his feet before sweeping Verona's grip and exploding up with a dropkick that floors the former World Champion! JC hops to his feet, Verona already coming back up, and taps his temple, nodding as both refocus.}
Terri Morasco: Very much a feeling-out process, but JC's using his bursts of energy here to try and take Verona out of his gameplan.
Vasco Dias: I'd go higher-throttle even than that if I were him. Verona is a man who gets deadlier the longer a match goes. You want to make it a short night at the office if you want a chance against him.
{The two men circle for a moment before closing together, JC ducking a lock-up attempt and swinging back with a leaping knee strike! Verona swats it away, leaving JC to stumble to the mat, and fires a leg sweep as he lands. JC leaps over, but Verona stuns him with a hard right hand as he lands! JC stumbles, and Verona hits the ropes, looking for an early MADAME GUILLOTINE, but JC counters with a SMOOTH high dropkick of his own, blasting Verona back into the ropes! JC lands a wicked high kick that spins Verona around, and hooks him up for a half and half suplex, dumping the COO on his head! JC goes for a cover! ONE! KICKOUT!}
Terri Morasco: Early exchange going to Keeton there, and you can tell that he's trying to make this a quick night, just like you said!
Vasco Dias: JC is a smart young man, he had to be to get this deep into the tournament, and nobody goes thirty minutes with Pax Stormcrow without walking away less than 100%. It's his best card to play.
{JC hauls Verona up, not willing to let him recover at all, and whips him into the corner, rocketing in with a high dropkick that crumples Verona into a seated position, and rolls back, hitting the turnbuckles on the other side and leaping for a scintillating hesitation dropkick! Again, no wasted motion, no wasted effort, as JC swiftly uses one hand to roll Verona out from the buckles and climbs them, egging the roaring crowd on as he does. With only one foot on the top turnbuckle, he leaps up and off in one smooth motion, hitting an INSANE frog splash right to the heart of Roberto Verona! COVER! ONE! TWO! KICKOUT!}
Terri Morasco: High-octane early, high-octane for good! What a massive impact!
Vasco Dias: Keep it coming, keep it coming, more! More!
{JC nods, inhaling deeply through his nose, and fires off an European uppercut to Verona as he stands, following it with a massive knee strike to the midsection. Verona grunts, inhaling deeply, and JC backs him to the ropes, firing him off and looking for his signature double stomp to the chest as he rebounds! Roberto holds on, though, and JC lands on his knees, clearly having not expected to be interrupted. This seems to be all the cue Verona needs to erupt from the ropes, delivering a running knee that snaps JC's head to the side! Verona leaps atop the fallen Keeton, raining blows down on him left and right, and JC tries to cover up, blocking and deflecting what he can! He does manage to briefly reverse guard on Verona, but a wild left is trapped, letting Verona deliver a savage headbutt that rocks the younger man! With that, Verona sweeps back to top mount, raining fists and elbows down until Blue Shoes pulls him away, admonishing him for the use of closed-fist strikes as Verona mouths a reminder about whose signature is on whose paychecks.}
Terri Morasco: And there it is! One moment is all it takes to seize back the initiative, and Verona has it now!
Vasco Dias: Seize it tight and never let go. Power, momentum, control, these are all things that Roberto Verona has lived that gameplan with, and he'll do it again.
{Verona rifles a right hand into Keeton's temple as he begins to stand, dazing him, and stomps on his foot, doubling him over and yanking him in before delivering a snap suplex for the ages! Verona kicks his feet, floating through, and hauls him back up to his feet, suplexing Keeton again before floating up a second time! He shifts his grip and spins JC into a swinging neckbreaker, bringing him crashing to the mat with a loud thud! Verona floats into the cover! ONE! TWO! KICKOUT! Verona immediately swings himself into a chinlock, burying his knee between JC's shoulderblades, cranking HARD on the hold as the young man struggles to break free!}
Terri Morasco: Verona keeping control with that chinlock, and you can see how even a simple maneuver like that is deadly in the hands of an expert.
Vasco Dias: Look at where he's got his knee, high up in the thoracic vertebrae, right near the borderline of the cervical vertebrae. That's near the brain, but it's also impeding shoulder function. The more strained his range of motion is, the harder it is not only to perform maneuvers but to properly kick out, and we know how deadly Verona's knees are. Brilliant stuff.
{JC grunts and claws against Verona's grasp, attempting to alleviate the pressure some. Verona grinds on the hold, snarling a bit, and JC manages to wiggle himself to the side slightly, slipping Verona's knee to one side of his spine. He uses the loosened pressure to move further, pushing a knee up underneath himself and converting the chinlock to a side headlock as he tries to stand. Verona bears down on the hold, but JC is fighting up, and the crowd begins to chant his name once more as he struggles up, fists wavering at his sides. Clasping his hands, JC drives his elbow back into the gut of Verona, hearing the whuff of air leaving his lungs, but Roberto stays clamped on tight! Another strike, combined with a push up with his legs, earns JC a bit of forward momentum, and a third elbow staggers Verona, earning the movement needed for JC to fire a kick back into Verona's knee, breaking the grip, and for JC to back-take Verona and clamp on a bulldog choke! Now it's Verona who's scrambling at his neck, JC bearing down with a loud roar of frustration! Verona lunges to the ropes, grabbing the top rope and forcing JC to break the hold before it can be locked in fully! JC works the count for a few moments before breaking, both men circling each other with wary eyes.}
Terri Morasco: Verona's target is clear, work on the neck. What's JC's play here?
Vasco Dias: Survive and get the knockout blow. He's a tough kid, and those finishing maneuvers of his are no joke. No matter how in hand Verona thinks he is, he has to be vigilant for them.
{They feint a lock-up again, but this time Verona's the one who capitalizes, slamming a knee into JC's midsection that sends him stumbling to the ropes. Roberto hits a body shot that drops JC to his knees, and contemptuously scrapes the sole of his shoe across JC's cheek before being pushed back by the ref! Obliging with an eye roll, Verona charges at JC as soon as he stands, swinging with another MADAME GUILLOTINE, but JC backdrops him onto the apron! Stunning him with a quick high kick, Keeton slips to the apron, trying to hook Roberto up for a brainbuster! NO! Verona fires one knee into his midsection, two, three, before straightening up and cracking Keeton with a SILENCER superkick to the jaw! JC totters once before Verona nails him with a toe kick to the gut, doubling him over, and leaps, looking for the BRAINWASHER DDT! NO! JC manages to cling to the top rope, and Verona lands on the apron back-first, clutching it in pain! As he hauls himself up with the second rope, JC surges forward, adrenaline powering him, and hauls him in for an APRON BRAINBUSTER! Both men collapse to the floor, panting, struggling to move, as Blue Shoes begins to count!}
Terri Morasco: OH MY GOD! Straight on the neck goes Verona, and you have to wonder how much either of these men have left, after all their trials, after all the pain and blood and tears!
Vasco Dias: We're not ending this on a double count-out, I know this! I know these men! FIGHT, FILHOS DA PUTA!
{Both men crawl towards the apron, slowly, hauling themselves up and sliding in together at the eight count, still sluggish. Struggling to their feet, JC staggers into a right on Verona, who replies with a right of his own. They stumble back and forth, punching one, then the other, neither man willing or able to admit defeat. JC gets staggered to the ropes by one blow, but comes back with a pump kick that staggers Verona! Verona stumbles back, but lunges into a headbutt that once again buys him the advantage, and hooks JC for a chokeslam backbreaker, only for the younger man to snap Verona's arm up and down, using an armbar takedown and spinning into a front facelock! Verona reaches forward as JC struggles with the hold, hooking a hand behind his knee and tripping him onto his back into full guard, ready to resume his earlier barrage. On the very first punch, though, JC snares it, seizing on a kimura lock! Verona is quick to fight it, but before he can lose his grip JC floats that through into an omoplata! Verona arches his back and scorpion kicks JC in the shoulder, loosening the hold, and spins, heel tripping JC again before straightening up and seizing both of JC's legs! Stepping through, Verona crosses JC's legs, stepping over into the INQUISITION! Keeton's back and legs are twisted painfully, and Verona roars, bearing down on the hold with all his might!}
Terri Morasco: INQUSITION SECURED! Keeton's in a bad place now, he's got to make those ropes as soon as he can!
Vasco Dias: Even if it works primarily the legs and the lower back, any spinal trauma translates up. Combined with the earlier damage to his neck and shoulders, this could tear JC apart!
{JC struggles and writhes against the hold, clawing his way towards salvation, the bottom cable hanging before him agonizingly close. Verona steps with each movement, using it to punish the younger wrestler ruthlessly, but Keeton's will just seems to be too strong. Tonight, of all nights, he will not go gentle. His hand seizes the ropes tight, clutching on as Verona cranks the hold, but then...his other hand moves up. It seizes the middle rope. The first hand moves up, Blue Shoes still shouting to Verona to release the deadly Sharpshooter, to the middle. The second moves to the top rope, and as Verona is forced to stand he looks back in confusion. JC grips the top rope with both hands, and now Verona has to release, unable to keep bearing down on JC's frame. Keeton twists to his feet, practically spinning midair into a standing position, and Verona has enough time to flash a toe kick at him before JC catches it, shaking his head, and spins Verona, whipping himself into a tornado kick that drills the COO in the temple!}
Terri Morasco: THE WILL TO WIN OF JC KEETON! HE! WILL! NOT! DIE!
Vasco Dias: This is the will of a champion, beyond all doubt!
{JC steps to the apron, measuring a woozy Verona, and hops up onto the top rope, leaping off and swinging with the YOUTH IN MOTION! NO! Verona hits the mat, JC landing on his feet, and pops up to his feet, earning a BLASTING dropkick that sends him into the corner again! JC looks for another high dropkick, but this time Verona manages to roll to the side, evading and rushing to the ropes! JC crashes and burns, but manages to roll backwards anyway, up into the center of the ring AND INTO THE MADAME GUILLOTINE! The third attempt connects for Verona, and he wastes no time in picking up Keeton, hauling him up into a crucifix position! Instead of parading him around, Verona just rushes forward, planting him with a brutal running FALLEN IDOL! COVER! ONE! TWO! THRāKICKOUT!}
Terri Morasco: HE! WILL! NOT! DIE!
Vasco Dias: Verona might have no alternative! As long as he's breathing, JC Keeton will not give in!
{Verona hauls JC up by a handful of his hair, blasting him in the side of the face with a knee as he's still mostly on the mat, and roughly shoves him down, beckoning JC to his feet! The dazed young man stumbles up, shaking his head wearily, and Verona rushes at him for the VENI, VIDI, VICI ONLY TO BE COUNTERED BY KEETON FINALLY GETTING THE LEAP TO DRIVE VERONA TO THE MAT WITH A DOUBLE STOMP THAT PLUCKS HIM OUT OF THE SKY! Keeton leaps to his feet, making a throat-slash gesture, and climbs the turnbuckles, much slower than earlier, shaking the cobwebs out of his eyes as he stumbles up the ropes. Finding his footing slowly, he breathes heavily, looking to the sky for a moment before he zeroes in on Verona again. With a sharp inhale, JC flings himself INTO A CORKSCREW SHOOTING STAR PRESS!}
Terri Morasco: MODERN DAY MIRACLE!
Vasco Dias: A tribute to his old man!
{JC lands HARD across Verona's chest, rebounding at least half a foot off the mat, and scrambles into the cover, hooking both legs! ONE! TWO! THREE! NO! VERONA KICKED OUT AT THE LAST SECOND! Keeton's face is an expression of exhaustion, but he refuses to let himself wallow, simply nodding as he struggles his way towards the corner.}
Terri Morasco: JC Keeton using a move from his father's playbook tonight, nearly putting away Roberto Verona, nearly becoming Heir to the Throne! All it would have taken was one moment more!
Vasco Dias: Terri, you know I care about you, but shut up and let me watch!
{JC hauls himself up, dripping sweat, chest and shoulders heaving, eyes wide, and beckons Verona up this time. Verona stumbles to his feet, clutching his ribs, and JC rushes in as he stands, leaping for the ODE TO THE OUTLAW! NO! Verona sidesteps, JC lands on his feet, swings around, kick to the gut, BRAINWASHER BLOCKED AGAIN! JC grabs Verona's arm, attempting to secure the PEACE OUT, of all things, but Verona drives his spare elbow between JC's shoulders, buckling the younger man with a cry of pain! Verona scoops JC up onto his shoulders, looking for the IDES OF MARCH, but JC manages to slip behind, leaping and drilling Verona with a poisoned frankensteiner! Roberto hits the mat hard, but rolls back onto his knees, and JC makes a camera motion with his hands, hitting the ropes to look for a grounded ODE TO THE OUTLAW!
AND VERONA EXPLODES OFF THE MAT TO TEAR HIM DOWN MIDLEAP WITH THE REQUIESCAT IN PACE! JC's head whiplashes back like he's been hit with a gunshot, and Verona crawls into the cover, managing to hook a leg! ONE! TWO! THREE! JC barely kicks out after the three, but only just, as Verona rolls onto his back, exhaling with a glassy expression on his face.}
Alison Valance: Here is your winner, and the 2021 Heir to the Throne, Roberto Verona!
Terri Morasco: Roberto Verona, after all these years, chance after chance, has finally claimed the title of Heir to the Throne for himself, but not without a MONUMENTAL effort!
Vasco Dias: This is the kind of war that earns you the right to challenge. This is the kind of war that writes you into the history books, win or lose. My hat, if I had one, would be more than off to both these men.
{Blue Shoes helps Verona up, raising his hand to a mixed reaction from the fired-up crowd. He nods, clutching his ribs with a wince, and staggers to the ropes, where Hannah Reed is waiting for him. The two exchange a few words before Verona turns back to the center of the ring, where a now-risen JC Keeton is already waiting, clutching his neck, body shaking with the exertion of their battle. Verona pauses, taking a few steps forward, looking JC up and down with a critical eye. The two men hold their gaze for a long moment before Verona extends a hand to the younger man. JC eyes it warily for a moment before accepting, the two men shaking each other's hands. They exchange a few words before JC steps back, yielding the ring to Verona and stepping back up the ramp, loud chants of "JC! JC! JC!" not going unnoticed by the young man. Verona takes the time to soak in the crowd's cheers, nodding, and points up the ramp, motioning for the belt as Sacrifice goes off the air.}
Well howdy there pardner.