IWF Presents: Night of the Immortals - May 29th 2022

[Jess Fowler]

IWF WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

TAG TEAM MATCH

Vendetta (c) vs. FSK

Alison Valance: The following No Disqualification match for the tag team titles!

Terri Morasco: This match is one of those rare one where either one team wins the tag team belt or they get to pick the wedding vendue. I have to be honest, I really am not looking forward to this match.

Vasco Dias: Don’t be such a coward, Morasco.

{The opening riffs of “CASUALTY” blares through the arena as the crowd gives off a mixed reaction. Dean comes onto the stage first, offers his hand to Warren who steps on stage next. Dean lifts Warren's hand to his lips kissing it softly before walking down the ramp towards the ring. Warren spends time on the ramp greeting fans and makes his way into the ring. Dean rests his head on Warren's shoulder, content to wait for the match to start. }

Alison Valance: First down to the match with a combined weight of 390 lbs Warren Kane and Dean Harper… FSK!

Terri Morasco: I am very worried about this match coming up. Dean is an unhinged physical machine most of the time but this…he promised something more.

Vasco Dias: Let’s not forget Warren also said he wasn’t going to hold back.

{ 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. Jessé 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. }

Alison Valance: Coming down the aisle... weighing in at a combined weight of four hundred fifty-two pounds... The Iceman... Jessé Marchand... and The Clipper... Travis Reinhart... they are Vendetta your TAG TEAM WORLD CHAMPIONS!!

( Reinhart and Marchand begin to walk toward the ring with a cool and quiet confidence. )

Well, when 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

{ Both men pause at the bottom of the ramp, holding up the middle two fingers on their right hands in a "V" shape for the camera. Marchand slides underneath the bottom rope into the ring while Reinhart heads up the stairs and leaps over the top rope. They climb opposite corners, perching themselves on the middle turnbuckles. Marchand surveys the arena, looking side-to-side while Reinhart glances back over his shoulder toward the ring with a bit of a smirk. Both men hop down and remove their jackets as the lights rise and the song begins to fade out at the 01:53 mark. }

Terri Morasco: Vendetta claim to be playing some 3D chess with the build up to this match. That they have some Moriatry like crime lord IQ.

Vasco Dias: Stop acting like Dean is hard to read just because you would sell your left kidney for a Warren Kane Only fans.

Terri Morasco: Go to hell, Vasco.

{FSK and Vendetta are in their respective corners right before the bell sounds, discussing who is going to start the match for each team; Reinhart and Dean appear to be the two… The bell sounds, but Warren tags himself in! Dean is confused by this, and is asking Warren what he’s doing while also indicating his leg but Warren gets into the ring and explodes out of his corner! Warren takes Reinhart down with a clothesline, who in turn pops back to his feet, but Warren takes him down with another. A third, and Warren continues forward this time and connects with a calf kick against Marchand on the apron!

The crowd cheers for Warren Kane who is fired up, and takes a moment to strike a pose for the crowd; Dean looks slightly concerned for Warren’s health, but is encouraging his fiance.

Reinhart is getting to his feet only to be met by Warren with several uppercuts as he battles one-half of the reigning Tag Team Champions back into the FSK corner; Warren delivers several stomps against Reinhart into the corner with his left leg and then makes the tag to Dean… Dean gets into the ring while Warren simultaneously gets out, and Dean is a bit more relentless than Warren! The kicks to his midsection come in faster succession, and Reinhart is forced to a seated position while Dean continues with mudhole stomps.}

Terri Morasco: I’m surprised that Warren did tag himself in, but I do think that he did that for a reason. A reason to indicate that he is healthy, and he is ready to fight!

Vasco Dias: After what we saw Dean do last week, I would like to say that Warren should just let him out of his cage to do it again this week, but somehow I don’t even think that would be enough this time around.

{Marchand across the ring is attempting to rally Reinhart to get back into the match, but Dean is still going to town on him… Dean pulls Reinhart back to his feet and then takes him over with a snapmare! Dean makes the tag to Warren, and Warren climbs to the top rope before coming off with a front dropkick connecting with Reinhart’s spine! Reinhart rolls away from the impact, and Dean returns to the ring apron; Warren makes the cover…}


ONE!


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TWO!


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{Reinhart kicks out! Warren holds Reinhart down with one hand and begins to connect with several forearm strikes before springing to his feet; Warren lands a standing moonsault against Reinhart, and goes for another cover…}


ONE!


{Reinhart kicks out at the count of one this time, and sits up; Warren crouches behind him and gets him into a sleeper hold… Reinhart flails his arms in the air for a moment, and despite being in the hold, does get up to his feet and stretches an arm out for Marchand but he’s too far. Reinhart is able to raise Warren up for a back body drop, but Warren flips backward and lands on his feet… Warren connects with a front dropkick that sends Reinhart into the ropes, and then springs back to his feet, while Reinhart rebounds off of the ropes in some slight pain but takes Warren down with a double leg takedown!

Reinhart immediately begins to connect with punches to wear Warren down, and then stands up and delivers an elbow drop to Warren’s right knee; Warren groans out from the damage to his injured leg, but Reinhart repeats the process with several more elbow drops to Warren’s knee before turning it into a single leg crab that allows him to focus all of his strength onto ripping Warren’s leg apart.

Warren is clawing at the canvas and trying to reach for something, anything, to get himself out of this hold… Warren is able to successfully reach the ropes, and Reinhart keeps the hold in for just an extra second. Warren immediately goes to try to bring Dean into the match, but Reinhart grabs his injured leg and drags him away from the FSK corner. Warren manages to get to his feet, but before he can get any offense in, Reinhart takes him down with a half nelson legsweep! Reinhart leans down to grab Warren by the head and takes him into the Vendetta corner and makes the tag to Marchand.

Marchand enters the ring and delivers a straight kick to Warren’s leg and causes his knee to buckle, and Warren goes straight down.}

Terri Morasco: The start went to FSK, but it looks like Vendetta just had to wait out their explosive start to turn this down.

Vasco Dias: This is a game of endurance, and as much as Dean and Warren have been able to do in their illustrious careers, Vendetta knows how to work as a team and hold their own! All they had to do was withstand, and I do believe this is going to be the same result as the last time.

{Warren is on his hands and knees when Marchand delivers a punt kick to his side, causing him to roll over onto his back; Marchand comes down with a knee drop across Warren’s chest, and then quickly rolls over and makes the cover.}

ONE!


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TWO!


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{Warren gets a shoulder up! Marchand returns to his feet, and rips Warren up with him then sails him right over with a snap suplex! Marchand makes the tag back to Reinhart; Warren is on his hands and knees again, and Reinhart comes in with a running knee lift! Reinhart continues forward and goes for a clothesline against Dean Harper on the apron, but Dean is able to drop to the outside and avoid the collision…}

Terri Morasco: Vendetta wants to keep Warren Kane singled out, and it looks like Dean is starting to get mad.

Vasco Dias: It’s a smart move! Warren is the injured one, so they just have to continue the work they did last time.

{Warren uses the ropes to get to his feet this time, but is still winded from some of the damage that has been done… Reinhart goes back to continue, and Warren fires with a front kick to stagger him! A second, and a third kick, and Warren starts coming in with several elbows against the side of Reinhart’s head! Dean returns to the apron while the crowd is rallying behind FSK, and Dean is calling for the tag! Warren creates some distance with continuous strikes, and then rushes back against the ropes to gain momentum and comes back…

Only to be met with a POWERSLAM! Reinhart stays over him and goes for the cover…}

ONE!


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TWO!


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{Dean makes the save!}

Terri Morasco: Warren Kane is in desperate need for a tag, and Dean knows it.

Vasco Dias: Dean just saved the match, but now it looks like Reinhart is still maintaining control over Warren Kane and taking him back to the Vendetta corner while Blue Shoes is trying to get Dean out of the ring.

{Dean returns to the ring apron after making the save, but he is still pounding the top pad to fire Warren up, but Reinhart with a hand on Warren, stretches his other out to make the tag to Marchand; Reinhart holds Warren in place while Marchand delivers a hard overhand blow to his ribs! Blue Shoes turns now to get Reinhart out of the ring and he gives no qualms. Marchand raises Warren up before taking him back down with THE C4 EXPLODER, an arm trap swinging neckbreaker! Marchand goes for the cover, and just as Blue Shoes starts counting, Reinhart is in and charges across the ring to intercept Dean Harper!}

ONE!


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TWO!


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THR–

{Warren kicks out!}

Terri Morasco: Warren showing his life in this one! After everything that has been done, Warren Kane does not want to walk out with nothing, and he doesn’t want to let Dean down.

Vasco Dias: Do you believe he ever could?

{Blue Shoes gets up and is getting both of the illegal combatants back to their corners; meanwhile, Marchand is picking Warren up… Warren is staggered, and Marchand goes for THE SLAPSHOT! Warren ducks! He rolls Marchand up!}

ONE!


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TWO!


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{Marchand kicks out! He gets back up, and Warren takes him down with a calf kick… Reinhart is in the ring to attempt to stop his momentum, but Warren takes him down with a calf kick! Marchand, back to his feet, is taken down with a clothesline, and then a clothesline for Reinhart. With his eyes on the prize, Warren focuses and goes for the tag to Dean Harper who is itching to get back into the ring… Both members of Vendetta dash forward to intercept him, but Warren dives forward and makes the tag! The crowd goes into a frenzy as the fresh man is getting into the ring!}

Terri Morasco: Dean is in!

Vasco Dias: Dean is looking to extract some revenge!

{Dean is in and hits a double front dropkick to both members of Vendetta! Reinhart tumbles backward, and Marchand falls to the canvas…Dean is already back up and rushes Reinhart to take him up and over the ropes with a clothesline that sends him tumbling to the outside of the ring! Marchand gets back up, and looks to get some momentum back in their favor, and goes for a clothesline against an oncoming Dean Harper… Dean ducks and springs off the middle rope, coming back in a moonsault fashion: UP IS DOWN! Dean takes Marchand down with the inverted DDT, and rolls Marchand up immediately.}

ONE!


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TWO!


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{Marchand kicks out!}

Terri Morasco: Dean Harper, like a bat out of hell, just came in and took out Vendetta!

Vasco Dias: Vendetta needs a moment to recuperate!

{Dean mounts Marchand and just pummels away several times until Blue Shoes has no choice but to break it up; Reinhart gets back onto the ring apron and is calling for Marchand to make the tag but he’s in no position to make such demands. Dean charges Reinhart, and goes for another clothesline! Reinhart is able to duck this time, and locks Dean against his corner while Marchand recovers…Marchand comes in going for PRELUDE TO THE END!

Dean breaks free, and Marchand connects with Reinhart, sending his own partner flying off the apron!}

Terri Morasco: Dean gets out of that one! Barely!

Vasco Dias: That backfired!

{Dean stomps his way to the middle of the ring while Marchand turns toward him, and OATHBREAKER! Dean goes for another cover…}

ONE!


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TWO!


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THRE–

{Marchand kicks out again!}

Terri Morasco: Vendetta is still holding on despite all of the fire that Dean Harper has!

{Dean gets up and pulls Marchand with him, and Marchand hits THE FALLEN PHOENIX!}

Terri Morasco: The Fallen Phoenix! One of Tara’s moves, and that shows you how well these two may even know each other! Tara, trainer to Jessé Marchand, and stepmother to Dean Harper! Kinda wonder who she’s rooting for in this case.

Vasco Dias: You don’t root against your students!

Terri Morasco: You don’t root against family.

{Marchand makes the cover.}

ONE!


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TWO!


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{Warren Kane makes the save!}

Terri Morasco: Warren Kane is back in this one, and it looks like he’s ready to get back into the ring!

Vasco Dias: Are you sure that’s smart?

{Dean Harper gets up but is slightly dazed after being on the receiving end of The Fallen Phoenix; Marchand also gets up, and charges into enemy territory, straight into the FSK corner as he goes for a clothesline! Dean ducks, and traps Marchand in the corner while connecting with several elbows… He makes the tag to Warren, who in turn charges across the ring and connects with a KIDD KICK to knock Reinhart off of the apron and then backs into the corner… Back across the ring, Dean gets on his hands and knees after delivering one more elbow against the side of Marchand’s head.}

Terri Morasco: Could we see it?

{Warren comes charging in with a forearm that connects against Marchand! The Gay Agenda trademark move. Dean rolls out of the ring, and circles around to ensure that Reinhart is out of the mix… Marchand stumbles out of the corner, and Warren connects with KIDD KICK! He makes the cover…}

ONE!


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TWO!


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THREE!


Alison Valance: Your winners! AND NEW! IWF World Tag Team Champions! F! S! K!

{“CASUALTY” is playing through the PA and the crowd is going wild when Dean Harper re-enters the ring with both of the Tag Team Titles; Warren and Dean embrace in the middle of the ring hugging their newly acquired titles and each other… Vendetta, on the outside of the ring, are talking amongst each other and look winded. Dean and Warren finally get up to their feet and share a kiss in the middle of the ring until Blue Shoes takes both of their arms and raises them in the center of the ring to proudly display the new champions!}

Terri Morasco: They did it! Dean Harper is now a two-time World Tag Team Champion, once with his father, and now with his future husband!

Vasco Dias: I will say that Warren Kane really proved his toughness, and proved why he is a former World Champion here tonight by sealing the victory for FSK!

[Jess Fowler]

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SEGMENT
New steps

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{Ulf is standing outside of medical waiting. After a moment, Vivienne walks out looking worse for wear after the match earlier in the night.}

Vivienne Rodgers: Oh, hey honey. Glad I didn’t miss your match-

{Ulf pulls her against him and kisses her hard for a long moment.}

Vivienne Rodgers: …Not complaining… But…that was new.

Ulf Hednir: Jeg was scared for you. Not…Jeg know you are not weak. Can handle things on your own.

Vivienne Rodgers: I appreciate the concern though. I’m fine. Mostly fine. Blood mostly inside.

{Ulf let go of Vivienne and took a step back.}

Uld Hednir: Dette burde ikke være så vanskelig å si…

Vivienne Rodgers: …. I only know like a couple words in Norwegian remember? Ja, Nei, rød, grønn, gul and raskere–

Ulf Hednir: Jeg remember! Point is, Jeg wants to make this…us… work. Jeg put in effort. Jeg promise things will be…

{Vivienne got down on one knee to tie her boot.}

Ulf Hednir: Family. And Commitment.

Vivienne Rodgers: Do you want to get married?

Ulf Hednir: Hva?

Vivinne Rodgers: Will you marry me?

{Vivienne holds up a ring box.}

Vivienne Rodgers: I was gonna try to learn that in Norwegian too but-

Ulf Hednir: Ja min kjære!

{Vivienne gets up off the floor and leaps into his arms, the two kissing as they crash into a wall and the camera clearly pans away in a rush.}

[Jess Fowler]

JOKER IN THE PACK

Winner gets a brief case with an open contract for a future IWF title match

Stephen Terrella vs. James Gilmore vs. Rob Diamond vs. Nick Knight vs. Pax Stormcrow vs. Ulf Hednir

Terri Morasco: You can see all of the ladders set up around ringside here, which can only mean one thing- it's time for the Joker In The Pack match! This year's field of competitors is a talented one, but it's also been a volatile mix. The last time we saw these six men in the same ring together, we had carnage all over the FootPrint Center in Phoenix- and some of them were supposed to be teammates that night. Tonight it's every man for himself though, and there's a World Title opportunity on the line whenever the winner wants to take it.

Vasco Dias: And next to being World Champion, this might be the greatest prize in our sport. If you can make it up that ladder and retrieve that case, you increase your odds of becoming World Champion exponentially. Think about what JC Keeton had to go through to earn his shot later tonight, and the fact that as hard as JC has worked, Wraith has known he was going to be coming for weeks. Anyone who gets a world title opportunity, the champion almost always has ample time to prepare. With this case though, whoever holds that title might only get days. Whoever wins tonight can pick their spot, if they choose- and you'd have to be a fool not to.

Terri Morasco: I'm going to put you on the spot then, Vasco. Who do you think walks out of here with the case?

Vasco Dias: Rob Diamond and Stephen Terrella are going to co-win, Morasco.

Terri Morasco: That can't happen.

Vasco Dias: What if they both grab the case at the same time and fall to the canvas together, and neither one loses their grip?

Terri Morasco: I don't think that's going to happen.

Vasco Dias: But what if it does?! They could challenge for the World Title in a handicap match, and they could be co-champs after they win! We might have to saw the title in half!

Terri Morasco: I'm almost positive we're not doing that.

Vasco Dias: Do you have a crystal ball?

Terri Morasco: No, I have common sense. I'm also not favorably biased toward two of the competitors in this match to the point I'd be too afraid to pick a winner.

Vasco Dias: I'm not biased! I just like Rob and Terrella more than I like the other guys in this match.

Terri Morasco: Literally the definition of the word, Vasco. Literally. Thank goodness we need to go down to Alison...

{ Alison Valance stands in the middle of the ring. }

Alison Valance: The following contest is the Joker In The Pack match! Introducing first...

{ The driving guitars of FFDP's 'This Way is War' fills the arena as Nick Knight steps out onto the entrance ramp to a thunderous ovation from the Las Vegas crowd. The voice of Ivan Moody joins the fray as the pyro turns the stage into a warzone, UNO, DOS, TRES, GET THE FUCK UP!!! Knight stomps through the smoke and down the ramp, dressed in purple track pants and a purple and and gold xXx Wrestling Academy t-shirt. }

Alison Valance: Making his way down the aisle, standing 6'2" tall... and weighing in at 245lbs... The Hollywood Butcher... Nick Knight!!!

{ Nick reaches ringside and slides under the bottom rope and quickly gets to his feet. He tears away his track pants, revealing a pair of black trunks with the Knight chess piece logo. Pulling the shirt over his head, he throws into the crowd and awaits the bell. }

Terri Morasco: What an ovation for Nick Knight! Rather we've loved him or hated him, it can't be denied how much he's meant to this company. And as we sit here preparing to watch what may well be his final match in the IWF, this sold out crowd is showering him with love.

Vasco Dias: His contract is about up, so what? Who cares!? Bye! Adios! Arrivederci! I hope they're backstage right now tossing all of his belongings into a trash bag, and when this match is over they pitch the bag, and Knight along with it, out on the curb.

Terri Morasco: Harsh, don't you think?

Vasco Dias: What do you want from me? I didn't say to throw him into traffic.

Alison Valance: The next competitor...

{ The opening intro to “Shell Shocked” 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. }

“Knock, 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 shocked…”

{ 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:
“Get your popcorn ready, dudes and dudettes! Time for some good ol’-fashioned entertainment!!”

{ Suddenly, jets of water burst from all sides -- but not to the usual musical motif. Instead, we see Fiona McFly -- backed up by Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen -- on-stage as they rolick into the classic '70s track, "Stone Cold Crazy." At that moment, we see James Gilmore as he races onto the stage in a patriotically-themed all-terrain vehicle! The Islander alum revs the engine before hearing the sound of police sirens! }

Fiona McFly:
Sleeping very soundly

On a Saturday morning
I was dreaming
I was Al Capone

There's a rumor going round
Gotta clear outta town
I'm smelling like a dry-fish bone

Here come the Law
Gonna break down the door
Gonna carry me away once more
Never, I never
I never want it any more
Gotta get away from this stone-cold floor

Crazy
Stone-cold crazy, you know

{ On cue, JJ drives headlong towards the ring, pursued by several lookalikes of the Islander alum that were sporting police costumes! In a scene reminiscent of those cop-chase flicks, the tie-dye wearing JJ -- no doubt, inspired by the late, great Ray Liotta's character in "Goodfellas," races around the ring as the "Officer Gilmore" troupe gives chase. }

Fiona McFly:
Rainy afternoon
I gotta blow a typhoon
And I'm playing on my slide trombone

Anymore, anymore
Cannot take it anymore
Gotta get away from this stone-cold floor

Crazy
Stone-cold crazy, you know

{ Eventually, JJ is able to make it to the ring as the Gilmore lookalikes comically spin out and crash into each on the entrance ramp! The Islander alum, loving the showmanship of the moment, poses for the cheering crowd as Fiona finishes the song! }

Fiona McFly:
Walking down the street
Shooting people that I meet
With my rubber Tommy water gun

Here come the deputy
He's gonna come and get a me
I gotta get me get up and run

They got the sirens loose
I ran right out of juice
They're gonna put me in a cell
If I can't go to heaven
Will they let me go to hell?

Crazy
Stone-cold crazy, you know

{ A burst of pyro goes off, and as Queen breaks into an impromptu guitar solo, Fiona makes her way down to the ring -- holding the human leash she plans to put Portia on! }

Vasco Dias: Do you hear that, Morasco? That's the sound of my ears tapping out. The perfectly proportioned lobes are frantically tapping against my head. I've never had so many of my senses assaulted all at the same time, and it wasn't like a quick strike... that was a ten minute pounding.

Terri Morasco: Where is your sense of fun, Vasco? It's the biggest show of the year, and Fiona and James gave the crowd something to smile at.

Vasco Dias: Oh, I'm sorry, no one told me I had to be a masochist when they interviewed me for this job. Excuse me for not wanting to watch home movies of James Gilmore, bad comedy, and all while I listen to McFly butcher whatever song that was! And excuse me for wanting no part of this sick, perverse plan they have in store for poor Portia- who's done nothing to deserve this, mind you! I'll just sit over here and shut my mouth while the key demo ratings for this show go in the toilet! But you have fun, Morasco! Unemployment will be fantastic!

Alison Valance: And the next competitor...

{ The lights in the arena dim, and there is the sound of a powerup collected in an old video game system. At the sound, the crowd leap to their feet with cheers A beat is laid out, filling the arena with the sounds of a Midi file. The lights pulse in time with the music. As they flash as the beat trembles, an explosion of sparks rocks the entrance stage. Pax walks out onto the stage, looking around as the crowd bursts into cheers. He gives a smirk as the chanting on Suplex by A Tribe Called Red kicks in. }

Alison Valance: Approaching the ring, standing 6'2" tall... and weighing in at 240lbs... from Aitkin, Minnesota... Pax Stoooorrrmmmcrow!

{ He stands at the top of the ramp, lifting his right fist into the air with his head down, bobbing his hooded head along with the music before marching down to the ring. He slides into the ring and jumps onto the second turnbuckle, throwing his hood off and hyping up the crowd with yells before slipping his coat off and letting it fall to the ground. }

Terri Morasco: Pax looks ready tonight, that's for sure! We heard him talk about opportunity leading into this match, but what's really interesting is he's looking at it from a very unique perspective. I think, despite his many accomplishments, he feels slighted. Do you think he can prove people wrong here tonight, Vasco?

Vasco Dias: ...

Terri Morasco: Are you really going to sit out here and pout like a child?

Vasco Dias: ...

Terri Morasco: I guess people will just have to hear my opinions on everything from this point forward.

Vasco Dias: I can't do it! Shut your mouth, Morasco! I'm just mad because I want to rag on Pax, but right now I can't. He's the least annoying person currently in the ring not named Alison. There, I said something nice.

{ Suddenly the lights drop out as the opening riff of Bad to the Bone by George Thorogood hits. The entire arena lets out a collective boo. The graphics on the screen show some of the many highlights of the career of Rob Diamond. The lights in the arena start to strobe pink as the second, third, fourth and fifth riffs all hit with pink pyro launching out of the stage and just as the lyrics kick in, Rob Diamond steps out to enormous boos! Rob Diamond walks down the ramp trying to slap some hands but the crowd members pull back, not happy to see the former World Champion back in the IWF. Rob smirks and points finger guns at a couple different people like he is still over before reaching the steps. Rob runs up the steps and teased climbing up the ropes but then steps into the ring. Rob hands Alison Valance a note card. }

Alison Valance: At this time it is my honor and my privilege to introduce… THE MASTER OF DISASTER! THE FACE OF THE FRANCHISE! THE SULTAN OF SWAT! HE IS THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME! ROB DIAMOND!!!!

{ After the introduction, Rob throws up both arms with his index fingers in the air as pink pyro erupts along the ring apron behind him. }

Vasco Dias: Finally the demo is going to rebound! Stand up, Morasco! Show some love and admiration for the star of all all-stars... a man so great he coughs up diamonds and craps gold nuggets...

Terri Morasco: Ooookay, I have to interrupt you. Do you and Rob text back and forth while working on those cue cards, or what? I'm not going to take anything away from Rob in that ring, but come on. His ego has gotten out of control, and people have noticed. He stabbed his former best friend in the back, and he tried to help break James' neck. I see a tremendous wrestler, but he's carrying around about three tons of insecurity.

Vasco Dias: You're wrong, Morasco! And you know what else he's not carrying around? Deadweight anymore. He's part of a group of equals now. Now if only I could find an equally stellar group of commentators to surround myself so I could Gilmorize you, and drop about a hundre-

Terri Morasco: Vasco, you're about to enter real dangerous territory.

Vasco Dias: Point taken. Moving on...

{ The arena goes pitch black. Purple flames ignite from around the edges of the stage, coinciding with the opening chords to 'We're In This Together' by Nine Inch Nails. As the instruments play on, one lone white spotlight is projected onto the entryway at the thirty-eight second mark of the song, lighting the way as Stephen Terrella and Portia are slowly lifted up on a platform from beneath the stage. Dressed entirely in black leather and heels, she holds tightly to him on his right side. As the platform continues to rise, the steel pipe he's holding in his left hand becomes visible. Surrounded by flames, Portia locks eyes with Fiona, giving her the deathglare. Terrella rests the pipe on his shoulder, awaiting the platform to come to a complete stop. }

Alison Valance: Making his way to the ring, being accompanied by Portia... standing 6'2"... and weighing in at 309 pounds... from Cold Springs, Nevada... The King Of Clubs... Stephen Terrrrellllllaaaa!

{ Their home state crowd greets them with a mixed reaction, and the freshly engaged couple turn to each other for a long kiss just before the vocals of the song start. As the song builds in intensity at the minute fifty-five mark, they step through an opening in the flames and begin their walk for the ring, hand-in-hand. }

"You and me
We're in this together now
None of them can stop us now
We will make it through somehow
You and me
If the world should break in two
Until the very end of me
Until the very end of you"

{ They stop at the stairs, both of them staring down Gilmore and Fiona. Fiona dangles the restraint, and Terrella points up at Fiona with the pipe and a warning in response. Tempers begin to flare as Knight and Gilmore both have words for Terrella, which leads to Rob shoving Knight. Blue Shoes steps in between Knight and Rob to try to keep some level of order. After banging the pipe on the stairs a few times, Terrella dares Gilmore out of the ring. And as tensions start to boil, Terrella and Portia start to verbally spar with some of the fans at ringside. Terrella rears back, threatening a fan with the pipe until eventually Blue Shoes shouts down that they have to come up into the ring. }

{ Terrella leans down to say something quietly into Portia's ear, takes her hand in his, then helps guide her up the stairs. He follows her up as she travels the length of the apron. She turns around and starts to head back to the center of the apron, where Terrella parts the ropes for her to step inside the ring. He climbs in, ripping off his beanie and throwing it in Gilmore's face. The two factions trade more hostile words before Terrella turns and climbs the middle turnbuckle at the 4:14 mark in the song and looks out into the crowd. There is a smattering of cheers for the hometown guy, but mostly boos as Portia presents him. He hops down, looking over at Pax, who had been keeping to himself in the corner. }

Terri Morasco: This situation just got a whole lot more volatile. Terrella has brought a damn pipe with him to the ring, and there's nothing but bad blood between the Revolution and the Work.

Vasco Dias: What did you expect, Morasco!? Fiona is a deviant! She wants to chain Portia up like some kind of wild animal... or like something Fiona, Gilmore and his wife might do on a Friday night in their basement! I don't know what kinda weird stuff they're into! Point is, that's Terrella's fiancee now, and Portia hasn't done a single thing to deserve this sick treatment! As a matter of fact, I'm calling this match under protest!

Terri Morasco: You do that. Why don't you go down there and sit with her, Vasco. You can help your buddies in the ring there protect her. But when one of them stabs you in the back -and they will- don't come crying to me.

{The lights throughout the arena go out, and there is a hush that goes throughout the crowd… That is until the opening riff of “Raise Your Horns” by Amon Amarth plays, and then the crowd erupts into a frenzy for the Oslo native who has called Las Vegas his home in the United States over the last year! The spotlight shoots toward the curtains.}

Vasco Dias: If this is how loud this crowd is going to get before he even steps foot in the ring, imagine how loud they’ll get if he wins this thing!

Terri Morasco: We do need to extend our congratulations to Ulf and Vivienne, as we saw moments ago! The two are engaged!

Vasco Dias: Yeah, yeah. Congratulations. Whatever. Just get this match started!

{To the surprise of the fans, Ulf has still not emerged by the curtains… But there is a sudden surge of energy coming from a particular part of the crowd, and many people shout “SKÅL” as loud as they can, and the sound of Ulf bellowing out a mighty wolf howl can be heard…}

Terri Morasco: What’s that?

{The spotlight goes to the section of the crowd that has become louder, and the source of the howl, when the camera focuses on Ulf Hednir standing atop the concourse dressed in a unique attire: his head is covered with a polar bear headdress, but underneath, his face is painted half and half as the colors of Scotland, and he is wearing a kilt that has the colors of Norway, and a satchel also at his side. His hair is braided back, and he is already standing with his drinking horn extended toward the sky while he joins the crowd with the call…}

Ulf Hednir: SKÅL!
Crowd: SKÅL!!!!!

{The camera flashes over to show Bruce McLeod in the audience as he applauds for his son.}

Terri Morasco: Ulf has his face painted to match the colors of Scotland which is where Bruce McLeod is known to hail from, and for those that missed it earlier this year, a DNA test proved without a doubt that Ulf Hednir is in fact the son of Bruce McLeod!

Vasco Dias: That was pretty crazy! Just crazy! Who’d have thought that Ulf was a second generation superstar?

{Ulf raises the drinking horn, and…down the hatch! It’s probably something lame like Michelob Ultra, but he’s about to have a match and you can’t truly be hammered while competing inside of the ring, and as you are reading this, you are probably asking yourself this question: why do I need to know this? The truth of the matter is that you don’t. You don’t need to know this. It’s just here. And you’re still reading it. Back to the entrance! Many of the fans with their own souvenir drinking horns raise their own as a toasting fashion when the chorus for the music comes in to play.}

Raise your horns, raise them up to the sky!
We will drink to glory tonight!
Raise your horns for brave fallen friends,
We will meet where the beer never ends!

{Ulf taps the drinking horn against many of the fans who have theirs outstretched, and begins to walk down the steps leading toward the barricade where the Joker in the Pack is ready to take place… The fans all outstretch their own arms toward him and he stops for several pictures along the way with the Ulfpack all in attendance. It takes him a while to finally get down to the barricade, and rather than climbing over right away, he walks along the front row where Bruce McLeod is. The father and son share their private moment, with Bruce giving words of encouragement to Ulf until the two embrace in a hug. Ulf reaches into the satchel and brings out a custom drinking horn that is adorned with pieces native to Scotland, and Bruce’s name etched into it. One of the nearby ring crew members comes over and pours a beverage into each one, when they finally tap the drinking horns together and they have a drink together.

Immediately after the drink, Ulf climbs over the barricade and walks over to the commentators table where he gives Terri Morasco the headdress to take care of.}

Terri Morasco: Oh! Thank you!

{And now without anymore delay, Ulf slides into the ring and is gesturing for the crowd to get fired up while waiting for Joker in the Pack to officially get underway!}

{ Blue Shoes informs the women they need to go to the floor. Terrella demands a microphone, though. Blue Shoes tries to talk to him. }

Terrella: No, fuck this! You keep your fucking hands off me or I'll beat your ass too. My girl ain't fucking safe trapped with a thing around her neck. The only way we do this is if she gets to do this sitting over there at that timekeeper table.

{ Fiona, Gilmore and Knight have a discussion amongst themselves before Fiona finally agrees. The women head to the timekeeper's table, pulling up chairs. Portia takes a moment to smell the leash, and is absolutely repulsed by it. Her face scrunches up before she reluctantly fastens it around her neck. Fiona fastens hers, and another official, Tommy Knocker, who was assigned to the outside to hold the key takes it from McFly and tucks it in his pocket. Once Blue Shoes sees that settled he calls for the bell. }

Terri Morasco: We are underway in Las Vegas!

Vasco Dias: This is supposed to be the happiest day of Portia's life, and she's stuck chained to Fiona McFly. I feel so bad for her.

{ Terrella immediately goes after Gilmore with the pipe, but Knight cuts him off by raking his eyes from behind. Rob throws some right hands at Knight, and Gilmore starts hammering on Terrella. Ulf and Pax tie up, with Ulf powering Pax back into the corner. Ulf offers up a clean break, but Pax tackles him to the ground and starts raining down punches onto Ulf. Hednir rolls the pile, then starts laying in hard elbows on Stormcrow. Knight lifts a knee into Rob's stomach, then brings him over with a crisp snap suplex. Gilmore tries to lift Terrella for a Samoan Drop, but the three hundred plus pounder buries an elbow on James' ribs to block it. Stephen grabs Gilmore by the throat, driving him back into the buckles. Terrella throws some hard lefts into Gilmore's body, bringing James' feet up off the canvas with every strike. }

{ Knight tries to intervene to help James Gilmore by grabbing Terrella's skull and headbutting him from behind. Stephen shakes off the blow, then turns and fires an uppercut under Knight's jaw. Rob Diamond goes to the outside and retrieves a ladder from the ringside area, shoving it into the ring. Knight blisters Terrella's chest with a heavy chop that echoes throughtout the MGM as Gilmore scurries up the turnbuckles. Knight slices Terrella across the chest with another chop, and then Gilmore fells the big man with a missle dropkick off the top! The Revolution members give each other a quick fist bump. As they turn around, Rob charges across the ring and levels them with a folded up ladder! Diamond lifts the ladder over his head and slams it down onto Gilmore! }

{ The camera shifts to the outside where Ulf and Pax have made their way. The two men had been trading strikes already when Hednir connects with a crushing spinning backfist to Pax's head! The viking warrior grabs Pax up, spinning and driving him into the floor with a spinebuster! His insides rattled, Stormcrow's face paints a picture of the agony he just felt. Ulf plays to the "Ulfpack", shouting "BANGARANG", and the crowd responds in kind. Hednir slaps hands with a young boy in the front row wearing one of his t-shirts, and then fetches a ladder for himself and pushes it into the ring. As Ulf climbs up on the apron, Pax cuts his legs out from underneath him by grabbing an ankle, though. Hednir lands shoulder first on the hard apron. Pax positions Ulf so his head is hanging off the edge of the ring, and then drops an elbow under his chin. Pax pulls Hednir off the apron, setting up for, and delivering a belly-to-back suplex onto the floor! }

Terri Morasco: Ulf just took a hard landing on the back of his neck and shoulder! I hope he's okay.

Vasco Dias: That floor doesn't give. Ulf is as tough as they come, but when flesh meets concrete, concrete always wins. And one thing some of our fans may not realize is that padding out there is only about an inch thick. It's like jumping off of a small building and only having a blanket to break your fall, a real thanks for nothing type moment.

{ Up in the ring, Rob Diamond drops Gilmore with a double arm DDT! Terrella whips Knight into the corner, and follows him in with the 'Silver Crush'! All of the air is forced out of Knight's body. Terrella keeps him pinned in the corner with a hand under his throat, and Rob follows up by delivering a Stinger Splash on Knight in the corner. Terrella takes hold of Knight, restraining him. With his arms trapped, Knight is defenseless as Rob reaches into his boot and pulls out a steel chain. Diamond wraps his fist with the chain, and then starts working over Nick with punches. Rob zeroes in on Knight's head, absolutely just teeing off with unimpeded shots. After a half dozen hard blows, Gilmore is able to recover enough to try to help his friend. He tackles Rob, putting him onto the canvas. James starts laying in punches on Rob as Terrella flings Knight to the canvas. }

{ Stephen grabs James' head, burying one of his fingers deep in Gilmore's bad eye. Using the dirty tactic to gain control, Terrella is able to guide Gilmore to his feet and lock him into a full nelson. Stephen muscles Gilmore over to a ladder laying on the canvas, lifting him up and spiking him onto the aluminum ladder with a full nelson slam. Gilmore's body recoils. Nick Knight comes up bleeding from his head after Rob's shots from earlier. Both members of the Work start putting the boots to Knight, working as a unit to try to grind him into dust despite the every man for himself nature of the match. They become so preoccupied with punishing Knight that they fail to notice Pax slip into the ring, however. }

{ Pax grabs the ladder and charges into both Rob and Terrella, catching them both in the face with the blow! Terrella's massive frame keeps him from going down though, almost bouncing Pax backwards off him. Terrella is wounded from the blow though, and Pax charges into him again with the ladder, knocking him back. Pax shakes his head, bringing the ladder up and ramming Terrella one more time to finally drive him from the ring. Portia looks on with concern, wanting to go to the aid of Terrella; but Fiona grabs the leash and keeps her from moving. Pax drops the ladder and then dumps Rob Diamond over the top rope and to the floor! With everyone down, Pax sets up the ladder in the center of the ring. }

Terri Morasco: Pax is starting to climb the ladder!

Vasco Dias: That ladder may only be a couple of feet high, but that's a long climb when you have five gives all wanting to try and rip one of your limbs off and bludgeon you with it!

Terri Morasco: Ulf is up on the outside, though! He pulls Rob Diamond off the apron and rocks him with an overhead chop! And here comes Vivienne's future husband!

{ Ulf starts scaling the ladder on the opposite side, just behind Pax. Feeling the pressure, Stormcrow tries for the case, but accidently bumps it to where it starts swinging. Pax watches it for a second, looking for the catch, but he has to change plans when Ulf meets him at the top. Pax throws a punch at Ulf, and Ulf answers with a punch of his own. Pax lands another punch, and once more Ulf answers. Ulf traps Pax's arms on top of the ladder and starts delivering headbutts to Pax! Ulf pushes Pax off the ladder, and seeing that both Gilmore and Knight are getting up, Ulf elects to take another step for the top and launch himself off the top of the ladder with a senton bomb onto Pax! }

Vasco Dias: What in the hell did we just see!? He's a madman, Morasco! Who jumps off a ladder that way!?

Terri Morasco: That was absolutely amazing when you think about how big Ulf also is!

Vasco Dias: Stormcrow probably feels like someone just dropped an anvil on him like they do in the cartoons!

{ Gilmore cuts off Rob on his way into the ring with a spear! Rob's body folds in half, and Gilmore starts lighting him up with mounted punches! Terrella tries to come up on the other side, but Knight meets him with a knee to the face! Terrella staggers, and Nick hits the ropes and blasts Terrella with a lariat that nearly takes Terrella's head off! The Hollywood Butcher goes outside and reaches under the ring, pulling out a 2x4 wrapped in barbed wire. He reaches under the ring one more time, finding a bottle of lighter fluid. Knight douses a rag on the end of the lumber with the lighter fluid, then holds it up for the crowd! After rolling into the ring, Knight cracks Terrella across the back with the piece of wood! Terrella grimaces. Knight pulls a lighter out of his trunks, and he ignites the 2x4 in a blaze! }

Vasco Dias: This maniac needs to be stopped! He's going to burn the whole building down!

Terri Morasco: Portia's face is as white as a ghost, and for once she can't interfere! They made this bed, and now they have to lay in it!

{ Knight brings the board up and cracks Terrella on the back of the shoulder with it! Terrella rolls around in anguish on the canvas, clutching his right shoulder. He gets no mercy from Knight, though. Knight delivers a second punishing blow with the board! Terrella yells out in pain. Portia starts to fight with Fiona at ringside, tugging at the leash and trying to move for the ring. Fiona grabs Portia's shoulder, and Portia tries to dig her nails into Fiona's eyes. There is noise in the crowd, however, with Shelly Diamond making her way through it! She hops the barricade, and with Fiona distracted, Shelly rushes her and connects with a D-Trigger! The crowd boos as Shelly stands over Fiona, saying something to her. Portia asks Tommy Knocker for the key, and he hands it to her. }

Terri Morasco: Shelly Diamond has wiped out Fiona! Fiona never saw it coming.

Vasco Dias: That was genius! They had a plan all along! Portia is free!

{ Portia grabs the pipe Terrella brought to the ring, shouting up to the Revolution in the ring. Shelly hops the barricade, leaving the same way she entered. With Fiona down, Portia starts slamming the pipe over Fiona's leg, drawing the Revolution's attention. Rob Diamond and Stephen Terrella simutaneously low-blow Gilmore and Knight from behind. Portia slams the pipe down and starts screaming at Fiona as if she just won a match herself. }

{ All six competitors pair off again, this time with Terrella doing battle with Knight, Diamond fighting with Gilmore and Ulf and Pax again matched up. After two minutes, the Work and Revolution spills back to the outside. In the ring, Pax Stormcrow delivers a backbreaker on Ulf. Pax draws support from his fans in attendance, and he pulls Ulf up, setting up for an Olympic Slam. Ulf uses his athleticism to slips off the back though, pushing Pax into the ropes and laying in a forearm smash to Stormcrow's chest when he comes off on the rebound. Hednir picks Pax up over his head, in a Gorilla Press. The crowd roars as Ulf looks down at the factions warring on the outside. In an impressive display of strength, Ulf throws Pax out onto the four men on the outside, knocking them over like bowling pins! Gilmore is able to skirt the impact to a degree, though. James becomes the first man up, and Ulf charges the far ropes. He builds steam, performing a suicide dive over the top rope and onto Gilmore on the outside! Ulf lands on his feet, showing off to the crowd. Stormcrow has the presence of mind to lunge at Ulf though, pushing him into the steel post from behind! All six man are down on the outside! }

Terri Morasco: Oh my god!

Vasco Dias: I don't think anyone wanted it to end here. Someone has to get the case!!

{The crowd is going crazy, different chants and cheers are going off. Most of the men struggle to try and get back to their feet. Pax is the first one to lift himself up and crawl back into the ring. He takes a moment to get a few deep breathes, while the crowd goes wild. Pax looks around and notices he alone got in the ring. He rights the ladder and starts to climb up the ladder with all he's worth. Ulf and Terella stir next, seeming to come back to themselves at the sound of "STORMCROW" chants. Ulf and Terella rush the ladder, ulf climbing it while Terella shakes it to knock Pax and Ulf lose. The ladder tips and Ulf manages to let go at the right moment not to fall outside again. Suddenly from above there is a tremolo war whoop, both the camera and Terella look up and see hanging from the Joker in the pack case is PAX STORMCROW!}

Alison Valance: 2022's JOKER IN THE PACK WINNER IS PAX STORMCROW!

{The rest in the men can't believe it as they stagger to their feet. Pax hangs onto the case smiling wide as Suplex by Tribe called red plays. Nate Harris runs down the ramp, whooping and cheering his faction member as the crowd sings along to the song.}

[Jess Fowler]

{ We come back to a panoramic shot of the MGM Garden arena as Five Finger Death Punch’s I.O.U. begins to play. Then we are taken to the Imperitron as the lyrics kick in. }

High Stakes

{ Blue Shoes calls for the bell. Shelly and Virginia both move out of their corners and begin to circle each other. Virginia fires off an exploratory kick but Shelly had it counted and backs off. }

I wish someone would wake me

'Cause I can't sleep at all

Stuck in purgatory

Waiting for the fall

Auditioned all the endings

I find it hard to tell

Is it better to serve in heaven

Or better to reign in

HELL!!!

{ Virginia fires off a leaping knee strike to the head of Shelly followed by a shin kick to the gut. Virginia begins hitting the champion with devastating palm strikes that back Shelly up into one of the corners of the ring.

Virginia hits a front waistlock into a takedown!

Shelly grabs Virginia for a dumping snap dragon suplex!

Shelly picks the left leg and hits that Dragon Screw Leg Whip!

Shelly locks in From the Flames!

Virginia stretched out and her fingers just grazed the rope! }

Say my name

And watch the fire grow

Curse my name

A demon gets its horns

See my face

The one behind my eyes

I'm a son of a bitch, I'm as bad as it gets

And I'll be that till I die

{ Stepanov steps forward and shrugs off the pan as she connects with the KMA!

Virginia pulls Shelly up to her feet an unloads palms strikes to her head and torso. Virginia steps back and looks for the Super Kick but Shelly gets under neath the foot, picks the ankle and hits the Imperial Diamonds Champion with a leg capture suplex!

Virginia drops behind Shelly, favoring that left leg but sends the champ head first into the middle turnbuckle with a snap dragon suplex!

Virginia looks to take the champs head off with an elbow strike but ducks the shot and picks the left leg of Virginia and spins her right into another dragon screw leg whip! Shelly holds onto that leg and stands up with it, she punts the back of the knee again and then DDT’s the foot of Virginia Stepanov! }

I wish someone would wake me

'Cause I can't sleep at all

Stuck in purgatory

Waiting for the fall

Auditioned all the endings

I find it hard to tell

Is it better to serve in heaven

Or better to reign in hell?

{ Virginia clocks Shelly with a hard elbow strike then grabs the champions head and bounces it off the ring post!

Shelly rips up one of the gym mats covering the concrete floor then drops Virgina head first on the uncovered floor with The Neck Brace!

Virginia pulls Shelly up and just drills her with a hard forearm to the side of her head. Virginia unloads more palm strikes to the head until she see’s blood trickle out of Shelly’s mouth!

Virginia smiles and hits Shelly with a hard Super Kick!

Virginia looks to unleash the Final Ride but she can’t keep any weight on that left leg and Shelly spots it and hits a front chop block on that left leg! }

You've never known pain before

Cane before

But I'm gonna show you

You've never been drained before

Shamed before

But I'd love to share

You've never know insane before

Deranged before

I'm here to show you

I owe you nothing

{ Virginia has the rear naked choke locked in tight and Shelly has nowhere to go.

Shelly continues to hit that knee over and over again until Virginia unclasps her legs.

Shelly pins that left knee with her own leg and now uses both hands to torque that knee as Virginia keeps the rear naked choke locked in. Both women are just wrenching at each other and finally they both let go at the same time!

Virginia hits a palm strike so hard to the side of Shelly’s head that her ear starts bleeding!

Shelly is using the ropes to get to her feet. Virginia is using sheer willpower to stand. Virginia slaps her left leg and charges in looking for the Final Ride but she stumbles! Shelly comes in and grabs that left leg for Knee Surgery!

Shelly hits D-Trigger! Virginia goes down hard and Shelly falls on top of her for a cover. ONE! TWO! KICK OUT!

Virginia pulls her down into a fujiwara amrbar!

Virginia grabs Shelly for a pulling pile driver on the ring apron! Virginia rolls Shelly back into the ring and makes the cover for ONE! TWO! KICK OUT! }

Feel my pain (pain)

I bet you can't relate

Know my rage (rage)

The one you instigate

Hate this place (place)

The one in which you hide

The devil I know or the devil I don't

I just can't pick a side

{ Virginia lets out a roar before attempting the Final Ride! Virginia stumbles as her left leg gives out under the full weight of her body!

Shelly Diamond grabs Virginia in a double underhook and lifts her up for TIGER DRIVER 98!!!

ONE! TWO! THREE!!! }

Alison Valance: Your winner AND STILL IWF WOMENS WORLD CHAMPION!!! SHELLY!!! DIAMOND!!!

Vasco Dias: That was incredible!

Terri Morasco: You could run this match back a hundred times and I think these two would break even on wins!

Vasco Dias: I totally agree! Virginia nearly had the match won if she could only stand up on both legs!

Terri Morasco: Shelly wagered on the long game and it nearly costed her! She clearly has a concussion and Virginia nearly won this match!

Vasco Dias: Nearly, but in the end the champion managed to retain!

{ Shelly gets up off the mat with her World title in hand. She hoists it up over her head with both hands.}

I wish someone would wake me

'Cause I can't sleep at all

Stuck in purgatory

Waiting for the fall

Auditioned all the endings

I find it hard to tell

Is it better to serve in heaven

Or better to reign in hell?

Iron Maiden

{ With some extreme excitement the crowd starts counting as the lights go over the last two pods as the girls continuing fighting in the ring as the crowd goes wild.

5

5

3

2

1!

Virginia’s pod door opens as she grins.

Virginia hits Diamond with a super kick!

With a Suplex Virginia drops Fiona to the mat!

Virginia is charging in, into KMA, which drives Jinx hard backfirst into the plexiglass of the same pod she herself came through… AND THROUGH IT!irginia grabs Diamond by the legs and flips her over to the outside of the ring! }

You've never known pain before

Cane before

But I'm gonna show you

You've never been drained before

Shamed before

But I'd love to share

You've never know insane before

Deranged before

I'm here to show you

I owe you nothing

{ Virginia goes to town hard on Jinx!

Virginia slowly, dangerously whirls on Zelda, who looks as though she regrets every decision she’s ever made in her life

Virginia lunges towards Simpson, grabbing the woman and pulling her into a triangle choke!

Virginia, however, is relentless, and hauls Zelda up by the hair… before plowing into her with Claymore Kick!

{Vivienne stands in the ring, looking down on the unconscious Zelda, the momentarily dazed Jinx, and Virginia, who has managed to pull herself up to her knees. Vivienne’s face is utterly unreadable as she looks at all three women, Fiona still ruthlessly breaking Diamond. She has every opportunity to continue her offense, but… something stops her. For the second time in the match, Vivienne hesitates…

… And Virginia capitalizes on the opportunity and goes for the pinfall, once again, on Zelda Simpson.

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!! }

Alison Valance: Here is your winner, and 2022 Iron Maiden… Virginia!!!!

{ Virginia holds her fist above her head, smirking.}

I wish someone would wake me

Wake me up, wake me up (me up)

I wish someone would wake me

Wake me up, wake me up (me up)

I wish someone would wake me

Wake me up, wake me up (me up)

I wish someone would wake me

Wake me up, wake me up, up

{ Shelly moved in with a nasty palm strike across the chest of Luna!

Shelly hit a big knee lift followed by chopping kicks to the lower leg of Moon!

Shelly connected with the D Trigger!

Shelly pulled Luna right into the shoulder capture snap suplex!

Shelly dropped the young competitor on her head with the Neck Brace.

Shelly pulled Luna back up to her feet and pointed at the camera. }

“I HOPE YOU’RE WATCHING VIRGINIA! THIS IS GOING TO BE YOU!”

{ Shelly then connected with the Tiger Driver 98 and the pinfall victory. }

You've never known pain before

Cane before

But I'm gonna show you

You've never been drained before

Shamed before

But I'd love to share

{ Virginia looks down at the two titles, lingering on her former championship while Shelly smiles smugly. }

Shelly Diamond: See something you like?

Virginia Stepanov: You know I do.

{ Virginia places her hand on the Imperial Diamonds title but then slides it to the end of the table before patting the center plate of the World title. }

Virginia Stepanov: I want this.

Shelly Diamond: Then you know what you’re going to have to do.

Virginia Stepanov: I do.

Shelly Diamond: You’re going to have to beat the undefeated, undisputed-

Virginia Stepanov: I will!

{ Virginia is first to sign the contract, she then slides it over to Shelly who signs it as well. }

Virginia Stepanov: At Night of the Immortals? You and me put on the match of the night! We may not go on last but Wraith and JC aren’t going to want to follow what we do!

{ Virginia extends her hand and Shelly hesitates before reaching out. The champion and challenger shake as the crowd roars.

Shelly takes both titles and leaves the ring as Virginia points to the sign. }

You've never know insane before

Deranged before

I'm here to show you

I owe you absolutely nothing

I owe you nothing

{ We transitioned away from the video package back to the commentators booth. Vasco and Terri both sit ready for the first main event of the evening. }

Vasco Dias: What an incredible video package.

Terri Morasco: It really showcased the rivalry between these two women.

Vasco Dias: Absolutely. A rivalry that see’s it’s next chapter tonight!

Alison Valance: The following contest is two ou of three falls match and it is for the IWF WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP! Introducing the challenger, VIRGINIA STEPANOV!!!

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

IWF WOMEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

SINGLES MATCH

Shelly Diamond(c) vs. Virginia Stepanov

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

{ The Arena lights slowly flicker off, plunging the arena into darkness save for the phone screens peppered throughout the stands. Suddenly the sound effect of a gunshot rings through the arena as a spot line shines down on the stage revealing the Korean girl group Black Pink. A few cheers ring out for those in the stands as the group runs through a choreographed dance number to a remix of Bitch better have my money.

Smoke slowly billows across the stage as the music and dancing picks up 20 seconds in. Slowly, an opening in the stage behind them appears and a platform rises with Virginia down on her right knee with her head bowed. She is wearing a pink asymmetrical coat that sparkles brilliantly underneath the glare of the spotlight. The roars of the audience rise at the sight of her. }

Terri Morasco: The Diamond Empress has arrived at Night of the Immortals and the crowd is feeling it!

Vasco Diaz: They are now, but who can say how long that will last. Shelly Diamond is the most dominant woman in our company and tonight she is going to show up for The Work

{ 40 seconds into the choreography the music and dancers stop in perfect unison. They maintain this for a few seconds before the Title of the song is repeated, kicking into the original version. The girl group once again springs into choreography as Virginia springs to her feet, shouting back at the crowd as they roar with a mixture of both cheers and jeers. Virginia approaches the top of the ramp, her coat falling open to reveal ring gear of black and pink underneath the glittering coat. Instead of any fasteners, the coat is held closed only by a single black belt embroidered with Korean Characters and 5 bold lines. Even her knee brace has been done up with black metal and pink padding underneath it}

Virginia: Let’s. Fucking. Go!

Vasco Diaz: Virginia is clearly confident going into this match up, but the fact remains that left knee of hers is not 100%.

Terri Morasco: Confidence can go a long way, and no one has more confidence then Virginia Stepanov.

{ Virginia lifts her hand, forming her usual finger gun at the sounds of gunshots, stabbing her hand forward with each ‘shot’ in unison with the dancers behind her. She marches down to the ring, throwing a few shadow punches as she goes. When she reaches the bottom of the ramp she places her fist into her open palm, offering a bow to the ring. She takes a moment to straighten herself before running forward and jumping onto the apron. She hangs onto the ropes, leaning back to shout out at the crowd as they roar in response before she slips into the ring.

She moves over to her corner of the ring, carefully undoing the knot on her belt. She lifts the black belt up, placing a kiss on the characters before she folds it up and hands it to someone that is ringside to take care of before she jumps onto the ropes at the other end of the ring, leaning through them to shout to the other half of the arena before slipping back into the ring to remove her coat and set it to the outside. }

Terri Morasco: Virginia has been on an absolute tear since her last match against Shelly.

Vasco Dias: So has the champion.

Terri Morasco: Very true. We are witnessing two women in their prime battle over what many feel is the top prize in all of pro wrestling.

Vasco Dias: We’re witnessing history.

Alison Valance: And introducing the reigning and defending IWF WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPION!!! THE BEST EVER! SHELLY DIAMOND!!!

{ The lights in the MGM Garden Arena go out. We are left in total darkness for several moments when finally the opening riff on Envy by Ice Nine Kills hits. The whole arena is engulfed in purple flames on the view screens as the stage shoots purple flames almost all the way up to the arena ceiling. The arena begins to strobe purple in a flame like pattern as it’s revealed that Ice Nine Kills and Twiztid are live on stage to perform their song. Shelly steps out onto the entrance with her face painted like Twiztid, the IWF World and Imperial Diamonds titles over her shoulders just as Monoxide Child begins the first verse. }

There's a sufferin', that's drivin' you mad

You hate the way, they have what you neva' had

Somethin' bigger, better, outta ya' class

You can taste it, off the tip of yo' tongue!

Oh, what it's like to be the favorite son!

But, there's no tellin' what you'd do to become

The ones you aren't

{ Shelly steps forward and joins the lead singer of Ice Nine Kills, Spencer Charnas at the center of the stage for his portion of the opening verse. She rocks her head along as he begins. }

Say what you want, the jealousy's absolute!

You've already got the claws diggin' into you!

You're hopelessly green, like the sickness you feed!

The greed never leaves, it just lies and deceives!

Believe me! This envy, it's gonna be the end!

{ Jamie Madrox now joins Shelly Diamond as they both head down the ramp toward the ring. Jamie kicks the chorus into high gear as Spencer and Monoxide join in from the stage. }

You want what they got! But like it or not

Believe me! This envy, it's gonna be the end of you!

You're chasing their clout! You cheer when they're down!

It's deadly! This envy, it's gonna be the end of you!

Greed is your god! (Is your god)

Believe me! This envy, it's gonna be the end of you!

You never get enough! (Get enough)

It's deadly! This envy, it's gonna be the end of you!

{ Madrox goes up the steps first to sit on the second rope, letting Shelly enter the ring while the song enters a bridge. Shelly heads across the ring to step up onto the second turnbuckle and hold both titles over her head as Jamie Madroz goes into his verse in the center of the ring. }

We're not talking 'bout passion

But the envy! What it really is, what it can be!

Don't shoot the messenger!

Who I am, what I got to say!

Or really, who sent me!

We' on a mission to clear the air, 'til it's purified!

Say what you will

But, our love for this music will never die!

To the envious hearts, to you we reply!

{ Shelly joins Madrox in the center of the ring, the two bumping elbows before he bows out of the ring as Spencer heads into his own verse bridge. }

Say what you want, the jealousy's absolute!

You've already got the claws diggin' into you!

You're hopelessly green, like the sickness you feed!

The greed never leaves, it just lies and deceives!

{ Shelly stands in the center of the ring, the arena bathed in the color of royalty, purple with both titles over her shoulders as the co main event draws near. Ice Nine Kills and Twiztid reunite on the stage and head into the chorus again. }

You want what they got! But like it or not

Believe me! This envy, it's gonna be the end of you!

You're chasing their clout! You cheer when they're down!

It's deadly! This envy, it's gonna be the end of you!

Greed is your god! (Is your god)

Believe me! This envy, it's gonna be the end of you!

You never get enough! (Get enough)

It's deadly! This envy, it's gonna be the end of you!

{ Ice Nine Kills and Twiztid fade the song out as the arena lights return to normal. Shelly points to the two bands and gives them a round of applause before a bow. Now we head back to the commentators booth. }

Vasco Dias: What an incredible mini concert!

Terri Morasco: It’s the biggest night of the year and that just makes it feel bigger!

Vasco Dias: I totally agree! But now we are ready to get to the action!

{ Blue Shoes is officiating this match. Blue Shoes takes the Women’s World Title and shows it to Shelly and Virgina before handing it off to the time keeper. Blue Shoes then checks them both for foreign object, explains the rules then stands in the center of the ring ready to kick this one off! }

Terri Morasco: HERE WE GO!

{ Blue Shoes calls for the bell and both women move out of the corner and start to circle each other, very similar to how their first match started off. However Shelly darts in suddenly looking to pick the left leg of Virginia but Stepanov had a gut feeling that Shelly would go for the first fall early and was ready to dodge the attempt! }

Vasco Dias: Shelly and Virginia went to war in their first match and the lessons are showing here!

Terri Morasco: I agree. Virginia knows that leg is a target and she is ready to defend it.

{ Virginia wags her index finger at Shelly before the two start to circle each other again. The two of them are moving around each other. Shelly smirks. Virginia smirks. Virginia goes in this time looking for a jab/cross combo that very nearly hits but Shelly is just able to avoid it and drops behind Virginia. Shelly goes for the rear waist lock but Virginia is quick to fire off a back elbow that causes Shelly to release to dodge the hold and Virginia to spin around. The two come face to face now within arms length of each other and ditch decorum as they both launch full on striking attacks! }

Terri Morasco: Looks like the feeling out period isn’t going to last as long as last time!

Vasco Dias: This is two out of three falls, Terri, they don’t have time to hunt for weaknesses. You want to get that first fall as quickly as possible!

Terri Morasco: The longer this match goes the worse it gets for both of them.

{ Shelly and Virginia are throwing haymakers at each other in the center of the ring for roughly thirty seconds before finally Shelly is staggered by a shot across the jaw! Virginia sees her opening and hits a rising knee strike to the jaw of Shelly and then rocks her with a huge right cross followed by left hook! Shelly is on her heels and Virginia hits a kick to Shelly’s hip and follows it right up with a roundhouse kick to the side of Shelly’s head that drops the champion to the mat! Virginia goes right in for a deep double leg cover for ONE! TWO! KICK OUT! }

Vasco Dias: Virginia with the first pinfall attempt of the match and I was honestly on the edge of my seat!

Terri Morasco: She sold me a ticket, I thought Virginia had the first fall!

{ Virginia transitions from the pin and goes right into an armbar in the center of the ring! Virginia has that left arm captured and she is wrenching it as hard as she possibly can. Virginia is looking to rip Shelly’s left arm clear out of the shoulder socket. Shelly is letting out a loud scream and Blue Shoes is checking on her but she is refusing to tap out this early in the match. Shelly tries to roll into the armbar but Virginia is quick to heel kick Shelly down. Shelly attempts to roll into it again but now Virginia rains down heels kicks on the champion to get her to stop. }

Terri Morasco: Virginia has Shelly dead to rights if she can just keep this locked in!

Vasco Dias: The champ has nowhere to go and at some point it’s smarter to tap out and focus on the next fall!

{ Shelly rolls into it again and this time is able to clasp her hands before Virginia can heel kick her. Shelly continues to force her way over the armbar but Virginia releases the hold and kicks Shelly as hard as she can in the chest to push her away. Virginia rolls up to her feet as the champion stands. Virginia connects with a running knee strike! Virginia then hit a jumping front kick that drove Shelly back! With Shelly staggered, Virginia then connected with the KMA! With Shelly bent over the challenger’s knee, Virginia grabbed her for a snap dragon suplex! }

Vasco Dias: Shelly is not in a good way right now! Virginia is all over her!

Terri Morasco: That roundhouse kick really knocked Shelly off her game!

{ Virginia looks to pull Shelly up into another snap dragon suplex but the champion blocks the attempt by using her foot to hook Virginia’s ankle. Shelly hits a back elbow and a snapmare on Virginia Stepanov. Shelly then goes for the float over neckbreaker! Shelly then goes to grab the left leg of Virginia but the challenger is quick to kick the champion away with her free leg as she rolls to the bottom rope. }

Terri Morasco: Shelly is trying to go for that leg but Virginia has so far kept it safe.

Vasco Dias: And she needs to. That leg has been bothering Virginia ever since their first encounter at High Stakes!

{ Virginia is up to her feet at the ropes. Shelly moves in looking to try and take her down but Virginia fires of a superkick to the jaw of Shelly! Shelly seems very staggered and Virginia hits her with another superkick! Virginia hits a third and then a fourth superkick but the champion is still standing! Virginia backs up to hit the ropes and looks for the Final Ride but Shelly suddenly lunges forward with a front chop block to the left knee of her challenger!!! }

Vasco Dias: Shelly baited her in!

Terri Morasco: Did she!? Or did she just get lucky!?

Vasco Dias: Either way! She got the knee!

{ Virginia is clearly in pain but she gets back up to her feet. Shelly comes in with a kick to the back of Virginia’s thigh! Virginia staggers and Shelly kicks the back of the thigh again! Shelly goes for a third kick but Virginia hits Shelly with a nasty backfist that nearly brings the champion to her knees. With Shelly fallen back, Virginia takes the opportunity to hit a nasty knee strike to the face of the champion! Shelly is down and Virginia makes another cover attempt! ONE! TWO! KICK OUT! }

Terri Morasco: Virginia seems to be targeting the head of Shelly, what do you think, Vasco?

Vasco Dias: I think it’s a good gameplan. Take the head off the snake!

{ Virginia quickly moves into the mount position and begins to rain down elbow strikes on the champion. Virginia is unrelenting in this attack as Shelly does all she can to block them but every strike that breaks her blocks causes more damage to her head! }

Vasco Dias: Virginia is trying to elbow the head off the Shelly!

Terri Morasco: It just may work too!

{ Shelly is doing her best to keep her guard up but Virginia is on another level right now as she rains down hellfire on the champion. Blue Shoes keeps checking to make sure the champion isn’t defenseless. After thirty long seconds, Virginia gives up the mount and instead tries to go into an armbar on the left arm of Shelly again but the champion manages to slip away. Both women get to their feet but the champion is just a hair faster as she comes in with a rear chop block on the left leg of Virginia now! }

Terri Morasco: OH!

Vasco Dias: The champ with a chop block!

Terri Morasco: She’s picking her shots and picking them well!

Vasco Dias: While Virginia is just trying to bash Shelly’s skull in!

{ Shelly goes for the knee bar while Virginia is down but Virginia is able to get away from it. Virginia is up to her feet but Shelly connects with a roaring elbow shot and then grabs Virginia with the Knee Surgery! Hitting six dragon screw leg whips in a row! Virginia is in visible pain as Shelly brings her up for number seven but the challenger isn’t having it and hits a palm strike so hard it damn near knocks Shelly out cold! Blue Shoes comes in to check on Shelly as Virginia backs off trying to recover from the damage! }

Vasco Dias: Virginia with a concussion maker but the damage may be done to that leg!

Terri Morasco: I’m not sure what options Virginia has if Shelly is able to isolate that leg in a hold!

Vasco Dias: The only option is hoping she can knock the champions head off first!

{ Shelly waves Blue Shoes off and starts to get up. Virginia slaps her left leg and hits a running knee strike to the head of Shelly before she can reach her feet. Virginia then pulls the champion up and launches into a full on assault of palm strikes to the head of the champion before culminating in a spinning backfist! Shelly seems like she’s out on her feet now as Virginia hits another KMA! Virginia sends Shelly into the corner and rushes right in the Shining Wizard! }

Vasco Dias: Shelly is out on her feet!

Terri Morasco: She has nowhere to go after that shining wizard!

{ Virginia comes in as hard as she can looking to connect with the Final Ride! Shelly gets under it on instinct alone but Virginia is quick to stop and fire off a massive superkick! The champion is seeing stars at this point as Virginia connects with a rising knee strike and grabs Shelly for a dumping brainbuster on top of her skull! }

Terri Morasco: Jesus!

Vasco Dias: If Shelly didn’t have a concussion before? She certainly does now!

Terri Morasco: That was a disgusting brainbuster!

{ Virginia moves in for the cover and it’s ONE! TWO! KICK OUT! }

Vasco Dias: But it wasn’t enough!

{ Virginia pulls the champion up to her feet and looks to just level her with an elbow strike but Shelly picks the left leg of her challenger and hits her with another Knee Surgery dragon screw leg whip! Shelly pulls Virginia up and hits another dragon screw leg whip! Shelly pulls her up one more time and brings her to the ropes. Shelly steps out onto the arpon and hits a dragon screw leg whip across the second rope that causes Virginia to let out a sickening scream! }

Terri Morasco: How is Shelly still going after all those shots to the head!?

Vasco Dias: I have no idea. It’s incredible!

{ Shelly takes a moment on the outside of the ring to let her head clear out. Virginia rolls away from the ropes and to the center of the ring to give her some space from the champion. Shelly walks around the outside of the ring and finally rolls back into the ring. Virginia starts to try and get up but Shelly runs in from behind and hits a nasty shin kick to the back of Virginia’s thigh that sends Virginia back to the mat! Shelly pulls Virginia up to her feet and hits a big time kneebreaker on Virginia Stepanov! Virginia fires off a desperation superkick that sends Shelly back to the mat as Virginia falls as well! }

Vasco Dias: Virginia needs to circle back to her earlier strategy of protecting that leg!

Terri Morasco: Or focus on her strategy of knocking Shelly the hell out!

{ Shelly scrambles to her feet and so does Virginia. Virginia manages to fire off a knee lift to the head of Shelly before she can fully stand but the champion picks the left leg of her challenger and brings her to the mat with a dragon screw leg whip. Shelly then locks in From the Flames! }

Terri Morasco: From the Flames is locked in!

Vasco Dias: Right in the center of the ring!

{ Shelly lets out a guttural scream as Virginia slams her arms into the mat trying to fight the pain. Blue Shoes slides into position. Virginia rips atr her hair and tries to roll out of it but Shelly just wrenches back even harder. Virginia pushes herself up on her elbows and just screams at Shelly before tapping out!!! }

Alison Valance: The winner of the first fall… SHELLY DIAMOND!

{ Virginia immediately rolls away as Shelly releases the hold. Virginia scrambles into the corner and tries to work her leg loose. Shelly does the same except she is trying to get the arena to stop spinning around her from all the head shots. }

Vasco Dias: Shelly picked up the first fall but not because she beat Virginia! Virginia tapped out to save her leg for the other two falls!

Terri Morasco: It’s a smart strategy. Virginia could have held on longer and she may have been able to fight her way out of it but at the end of the day there are two more falls, potentially. Virginia is playing the long game.

Vasco Dias: Smart move by the challenger.

Terri Morasco: Absolutely. Unless Shelly can get back at that leg.

Vasco Dias: Virginia needs to protect it from the champion at all costs at this point.

{ Both women are given a few moments to recover in their respective corners. Shelly pulls herself up but she does seem to be dazed. Virginia also uses the ropes to stand but only because her left leg aches. Virginia attempts to loosen up her leg as Shelly tries to focus on what’s in front of her. }

Vasco Dias: Time for fall number two!

Terri Morasco: What are the chances Shelly gets a clean sweep!

Vasco Dias: It’s possible but I don’t expect Virginia to allow it to happen!

{ Blue Shoes makes sure each woman is ready to go. They both nod in agreement. Blue Shoes steps back and calls for the bell as fall two begins! }

Terri Morasco: Here we go!

{ Both women move right in on each other. Shelly fires off a kick to the left thigh and Virginia fires off a palm strike to Shelly’s head. They move around each other with Shelly firing off another kick as Virginia hits another palm strike. The two women keep this circle of exchanging attacks going for several more moments before Virginia has had enough and lunges forward with a nasty elbow strike across the jaw of the champion! }

Vasco Dias: Oh! Virginia damn near took the head off the champion!

Terri Morasco: That was disgusting!

{ Blood begins to drip from the mouth of Shelly as Virginia feels a second wind coming on. Virginia hits a spinning heel kick followed up by a spinning backfist. Virginia hits a front kick and a forearm smash! Shelly falls into the turnbuckles now. Virginia hits the Grounded on the champ and then spins her out of the corner with a dumping snap dragon suplex! }

Terri Morasco: Virginia just dropped Shelly on the back of her head!

Vasco Dias: The thud on that was disturbing!

{ Virginia gets up to her feet and lets out a yell to a huge pop from the crowd. Virginia slaps her left leg and loosens it up some more. Shelly is slow to her feet so Virginia dips in again with another snap dragon suplex dropping the champion directly on the back of her skull! }

Vasco Dias: Another snap dragon!

Terri Morasco: I don’t understand how either of them are still standing!

Vasco Dias: Because they both want to be the best!

{ Virginia is ready to put an end to Shelly Diamond as the champion rises to her feet. Virginia charges in looking for the Final Ride but Shelly has just enough foresight to get under the attack and pick the left leg of Virginia pulling her challenger down into a knee bar!!! But Virginia is far too close to the ropes and grabs them immediately causing Blue Shoes to come in. Shelly doesn’t hold on and instead lets go at one. }

Vasco Dias: Interesting move by the champion, choosing to not hold on for the five count.

Terri Morasco: Neither woman wants a cheap victory.

{ Both women are up to their feet but Virginia manages to fire off the Final Ride before Shelly has any idea that it’s coming! Shelly is down and Virginia drops into the cover! Blue Shoes slides right in and it’s a ONE! TWO! THRE-KICK OUT!!! }

Vasco Dias: That was three!

Terri Morasco: It was almost three!

Vasco Dias: Are you kidding me!? I thought Virginia had it!

Terri Morasco: It was incredibly close!

{ Virginia gets right back up to her feet, she shakes her leg loose and starts to beg for Shelly to get up to her feet. The champion begins to move. Shelly finds her way back to her feet. Virginia comes in hard but Shelly hits the front chop block again and brings the challenger down to the mat. Shelly grabs the left leg and looks to bring Virginia up into a dragon screw leg whip but Virginia hits a nasty palm strike! Virginia then fires off palm strikes one after the other and drives Shelly backward across the ring! Virginia drills Shelly with a leaping knee strike and a roundhouse kick! Virginia is fighting through the pain those moves caused but she doesn’t care. The world title is on the line. Virginia spins Shelly around and drops her right on her head with another snap dragon suplex! }

Vasco Dias: That has got to be it! There is no way Shelly is able to still function!

Terri Morasco: This is Virginia’s chance to put the champion away and claim the World title!

{ Virginia chooses to not go for the cover. Instead she pulls Shelly up and drives her into the turnbuckles with elbow strike after elbow strike. The blood begins to flow freely from the mouth of the champion. Virginia gets Shelly into the corner and hits a spinning back elbow into the face of Shelly Diamond. Virginia hoists Shelly up onto the top turnbuckle. Virginia climbs up as well. Virginia pulls Shelly up to her feet. Both women are now on the top turnbuckle. Virginia turns the around so Shelly’s back is pointing toward the ring. Virginia picks Shelly up into the brainbuster position and drops Shelly hard onto the top turnbuckle with a super brainbuster!!! }

Terri Morasco: OH MY GOD!!!

Vasco Dias: SERIOUSLY!!!

Terri Morasco: That was absolutely insane!!!

Vasco Dias: Shelly’s neck may be broken!!!

{ Virginia drags Shelly to the middle of the ring and goes for the cover. Blue Shoes is right there to make the count. It’s a ONE! TWO! THRE-KICK OUT!!! }

Vasco Dias: I don’t believe it!!!

Terri Morasco: How is that possible!!??

Vasco Dias: I have no idea!!

Terri Morasco: That was insane!!

{ Virginia is in absolute disbelief as Blue Shoes confirms it was only a two count. Virginia gets up to her feet and her left leg seems to be feeling better now as she walks around the champion with almost no limp. Virginia then backs up to the turnbuckles and looks prepared to put Shelly away with a Final Ride. Virginia beats her chest as Shelly is slow to get back to her feet. Virginia comes in as fast as she can but the champion powders out of the ring. Virginia stops herself at the ropes as Shelly is now on the outside of the ring. }

Vasco Dias: Smart move by Shelly. Create some distance. Try and clear your head.

Terri Morasco: Shelly has taken an absolute beating and Virginia isn’t about to let her clear her head.

{ Virginia follows Shelly to the outside of the ring but Shelly is quick to move away from her. Virginia moves as quickly as she can and then rolls back into the ring. Virginia goes to follow Shelly into the ring but Shelly is right there with foot stomps! Virginia tries to fight through them but Shelly starts to unload on Virginia and sends her back out onto the apron with a clothesline! Shelly then steps through the ropes and pulls Virginia up to her feet. Virginia connects with an elbow strike and goes behind Shelly, Virginia grabs Shelly with an absolutely disgusting snap dragon suplex on the ring apron!!! }

Vasco Dias: Come on!?

Terri Morasco: That has got to be it! There is no way Shelly can recover from that!

{ Virginia tries to grab Shelly to roll her into the ring but Shelly rolls onto the arena floor. Virginia slaps the mat, knowing she missed her chance to get a pinfall in this match. Virginia follows Shelly out of the ring. Shelly isn’t moving on the floor. Virginia pulls Shelly up to her feet by both wrists and drills her with a nasty knee strike! Virginia pulls Shelly up to her feet again and looks to send her into the ring apron with a snap dragon suplex but Shelly somehow finds the mental capacity to drop behind the challenger and pick her up for knee breaker across the ring apron!!! }

Terri Morasco: Knee breaker on the apron!

Vasco Dias: I think the punishment is finally starting to settle in!

Terri Morasco: I honestly have no idea how Shelly is still able to fight back!?

Vasco Dias: The same way Virginia is ignoring the pain in her leg. Sheer willpower!

{ Virginia is hobbling away from the champion but Shelly comes up behind her and just throws Virginia into the barricades with everything she’s got! Shelly then starts to stomp Virginia against the barricades as the challenger does everything she can do to block herself! Shelly rips Virginia up off the floor and picks her up for a knee breaker on the barricade! Virginia lets out a loud yell as Shelly then hits the dragon screw leg whip, holds onto the ankle of Virginia and then hits ddt on the foot of the challenger! }

Terri Morasco: Shelly seems to have fought through the fog and refocused on that leg!

Vasco Dias: That’s bad news for the challenger!

Terri Morasco: Absolutely it is. Virginia needs to create some distance now.

Vasco Dias: Or go for the head!

{ Shelly pulls Virginia up to her feet. Shelly then hoists Virginia up onto her shoulder and runs the challenger toward the ring post. Shelly launches Virginia knee first off her shoulders into the ring post! Virginia lets out a loud scream as she connects and then falls to the floor. Shelly pulls Virginia up and goes for a Neck Brace but Virginia fights back with a back drop driver on Shelly Diamond! Virginia heads back into the ring and Shelly scrambles in behind her despite the laxed count of Blue Shoes. }

Vasco Dias: I don’t know what hurt worse? The knee into the post of the driver on the floor!?

Terri Morasco: I bet neither one felt good at all1

{ Virginia pulls Shelly up to her feet inside the ring. Shelly hits thigh kick and grabs Virginia for a knee breaker! Shelly sends Virginia into the ropes but Virginia grabs her for an overhead belly to belly suplex that sends Shelly straight over the top rope and right down to the arena floor! }

Vasco Dias: Holy crap!!!

Terri Morasco: That was insane!

{ Virginia slaps her leg and heads to the outside. Shelly isn’t even moving now as Virginia pulls her up. Virginia drills Shelly with an elbow strike and then pulls her up for a brainbuster on the padded floor! Virginia isn’t satisfied with that. She pulls Shelly up again but the champion kicks Virginia hard in the left thigh and grads her for a quick dragon screw leg whip! Shelly grabs that left leg and hits a ddt on it on the steel ramp! Shelly pulls Virginia up to her feet and drags her up the ramp up the ramp way before dropping her with another dragon screw leg whip! Shelly then snaps that leg back across the torso of Virginia before turning her around into a single leg boston crab on the stage! }

Vasco Dias: Shelly is circling right back to that leg and that may be what costs Virginia this match!

Terri Morasco: It may be but not if Virginia can go back to her head attacks from earlier!

{ Blue Shoes is counting but not very fast. Shelly finally releases the hold and brings Virginia back up to her feet. Shelly drags Virginia up toward the top of the ramp. Shelly brings Virginia to the edge of the stage and looks to put her away with a Tiger Driver 98 but Virginia fights back and nearly takes Shelly’s head off with an elbow strike! Virginia then kicks Shelly as hard as she can in the gut and grabs the champion in an underhook! Virginia picks Shelly up and delivers the Tiger Driver 98 off the stage through tables on the arena floor!!! }

Terri Morasco: TIGER DRIVER 98!!!

Vasco Dias: TIGER DRIVER 98!!!

Terri Morasco: Shelly’s neck may be broken!!!

Vasco Dias: Or worse! That was insane!

{ Blue Shoes doesn’t even know what to do. He doesn’t want to count this one out. Virginia is back up to her feet and pulls Shelly out of the rubble. Virginia drags Shelly down the side of the ramp way as the crowd roars. Virginia gets Shelly back to ringside and drills her with a nasty elbow strike. Virginia sends Shelly back into the ring. Shelly is struggling to get back to her feet. Virginia gets into the ring. Virginia is fighting off the pain of he left leg as much as she can. Shelly uses the ropes to stand up but Virginia comes in with everything she has in her and hits the Final Ride!!! }

Vasco Dias: FINAL RIDE!!!

Terri Morasco: That’s it!!!

{ Virginia makes the cover and hooks both of Shelly’s legs! Blue Shoes comes in for the count and it’s ONE! TWO! THREE!!!! }

Alison Valance: The winner of the second fall… VIRGINIA STEPANOV!!!!

Vasco Dias: Virginia Stepanov is the first woman in IWF to pin Shelly Diamond in the center of the ring!!!

Terri Morasco: That’s incredible! That alone is an accomplishment!

Vasco Dias: Absolutely! Now we are one to one! The next fall wins!

{ Virginia staggers back to her corner. Shelly takes a little longer to get to her feet but she gets there. She shoves Blue Shoes away in the process who is concerned about the amount of head shots she’s taken. }

Terri Morasco: This is it. Whoever gets the next pin or submission is the IWF Women’s World Champion!

Vasco Dias: Some would argue the real world champion of IWF!

Terri Morasco: The IWF Women’s World Title has a storied history in IWF and has been the top draw in the company more often than not!

Vasco Dias: We may still have another main event to go but for me? This is the main event!

Terri Morasco: I’m in total agreement!

{ Shelly and Virginia both find their ways back to their feet in their respective corners. Blue Shoes checks on them one more time as we head into the final fall. Both women nod that they are ready to go. }

Terri Morasco: Third fall!!!

{ Blue Shoes calls for the third fall to begin. Both women move out of their corners, the fatigue started to show on both of them but neither is willing to give it up. Virginia shakes her left leg out to try and keep it loose while Shelly cracks her neck hoping to clear her head out. }

Vasco Dias: You can see the exhaustion setting in but these two are true competitors and are not willing to give up.

Terri Morasco: For sure, Vasco. They both want to walk out of here as the IWF Women’s World Champion!

{ Shelly and Virginia move in for the first tie up of the match. Shelly is quick to move into a go behind and locks in a rear waist lock. Virginia isn’t having any of it and hooks her ankle to Shelly and cracks her with a back elbow. Virginia hits a roaring spinning elbow strike on the champion then hits a thrust kick to Shelly’s mid section. Virginia then hits a nasty forward kick then a punt to the gut. Virginia then cracks Shelly with another KMA and a Superkick! Shelly is staggered and Virginia hits her with another devastating snap dragon suplex. Virginia goes into a cover! ONE! TWO! TH-KICK OUT! }

Vasco Dias: That snap dragon nearly put the champion away!

Terri Morasco: Virginia could feel the title belt in her hands!

{ Virginia pulls Shelly up to her feet and drops her with another snap dragon. Virginia keeps the arms of Shelly hooked and pulls her up again for another snap dragon. Virginia lets out a loud yell as she pulls Shelly up again for a third and final snap dragon, this one she drops Shelly directly on the back of her head! Virginia then goes to the corner where she shakes the ropes as the crowd screams! Shelly is starting to get up and Virginia turns and comes running in looking to put the champion away with the Final Ride but Shelly is able to avoid it and picks the leg of Virginia as she passes and pulls her into a dragon screw leg whip! Shelly holds onto the leg and goes into the Knee Surgery chained dragon screw leg whips, culminating in four this time before finally letting Virginia go and falling back. Virginia is on the mat in severe pain as Shelly lays on her back, her chest heaving, holding her head. }

Terri Morasco: Holy hell! They are pulling out all the stops!

Vasco Dias: It’s a miracle either one of them is still going at this point!

Terri Morasco: It’s incredible! We are witnessing one of the best matches in the history of the IWF!

Vasco Dias: I couldn’t agree with you more! This is what IWF is about! This is why we watch! Two of the best battling for the top prize in the whole damn industry!

{ Both women lay on the mat as Blue Shoes commences a ten count. The crowd is booing Blue Shoes with each count but eventually they start to move. Shelly rolls over and crawls to the ropes. Virginia does the same. They both use the rpes to get to their feet at the count of nine. Shelly shakes her head and looks at Virginia. The two women share a smirk as they move in for each other. }

Vasco Dias: This is incredible!

{ The two come face to face in the center of the ring. Virginia launches a palm strike to the jaw of the champion. Shelly responds with a kick to Virginia’s left leg. Virginia fires off another palm strike. Shelly responds with another kick. The two women keep the exchanges going as the crowd roars with each and every shot. Virginia switching between her right and left hands as she keeps cracking Shelly in the side of the head. Shelly using her right leg and continuously kicking Virginia in her left thigh! Finally the two drop back from each other for a moment. Virginia goes for a spinning elbow strike but Shelly punts that left leg which stops Virginia dead in her tracks, instead Virginia hits a Superkick that knocks Shelly to the mat! }

Terri Morasco: I don’t know how much more either of them can take at this point!

Vasco Dias: Me either. They have to be running on absolute fumes!

{ Virginia pulls Shelly up to her feet and hits that spinning elbow strike! Virginia then unloads a folly of palm strikes before going for a front waist lock takedown! Virginia goes for the mount but Shelly is able to wrestler her way out of the position and instead goes for the knee bar on Virginia! Virginia fights now and manages to get free before Shelly is able to lock it in. Both women get back to their feet and they both hit elbow strikes at the same time! Shelly then lunges forward with a D-Trigger and an F the 80’s hip toss! Shelly begs for Virginia to get back to her feet. The challenger does just that and Shelly goes for another D-Trigger! But Virginia is able to get under it this time and grabs Shelly for a snap dragon suplex! }

Vasco Dias: Virginia is unrelenting with those snap dragons!

Terri Morasco: Shelly’s head has to be swimming!

{ Virginia is back up, she is breathing heavy but she feels like the end is near. Shelly is trying to stand but Virginia comes in with a knee thrust! Shelly picks the leg and brings Virginia down with dragon screw and this time is able to lock in the From the Flames knee bar! Shelly is looking for the heel hook as well but Virginia is able to claw her way to the ropes and breaks the hold. Shelly is up as is Virginia. Virginia turns into a thrust kick from Shelly! Shelly grabs Virginia and hoists up for Tiger Driver 98! }

Vasco Dias: Tiger Driver 98!

Terri Morasco: That has got to be it!

{ Shelly turns Virginia over and makes a cover, hooking just one leg. Blue Shoes is in position and it’s ONE! TWO! THRE-KICK OUT! }

Terri Morasco: I don’t believe it!

Vasco Dias: Virginia kicked out of the Tiger Driver 98!

Terri Morasco: How the hell did she do it!?

Vasco Dias: I have no idea!

{ Shelly is absolutely shocked as Blue Shoes holds up two fingers. Shelly pulls Virginia up to her feet and connects with another thrust kick! Shelly underhooks the challenger again and looks for a second Tiger Driver 98 but Virginia instead reverses it into a back drop driver! }

Vasco Dias: Virginia isn’t done yet!

{ Shelly gets back to her feet but Virginia hits her with a KMA! Then a Superkick and finally the FINAL RIDE!!! Virginia collapses on Shelly as Blue Shoes is right there to make the count! ONE! TWO! THRE-KICK OUT!!! }

Terri Morasco: KICK OUT!!!

Vasco Dias: Shelly kicked out of the Final Ride!!!

Terri Morasco: Incredible!

Vasco Dias: What’s it going to take for one of them to win!?

Terri Morasco: Maybe they will actually fight forever!

{ Virginia shakes her head as Blue Shoes confirms the two count. Virginia pulls Shelly up to her feet and kicks her in the gut with a thrust kick. Virginia underhooks the champion and now Virginia hits Shelly with her own finisher, the Tiger Driver 98! }

Vasco Dias: Virginia with her own tiger driver 98!

{ Virginia covers Shelly again and Blue Shoes is right there for the ONE! TWO! THR-KICK OUT! }

Terri Morasco: But it still isn’t enough!

{ Virginia is stunned. She pulls Shelly up to her feet and goes for an elbow strike but Shelly kicks her hard in the left leg. Shelly grabs Virginia and hits a dragon screw leg whip! Shelly is up to her feet and waits for Virginia to stand, when she does, Shelly hits the challenger with THE FINAL RIDE!!! }

Vasco Dias: Shelly used the Final Ride!

Terri Morasco: If the tiger driver isn’t enough maybe the final ride will be!?

{ Shelly covers Virginia and it’s ONE! TWO! KICK OUT WITH AUTHORITY! }

Terri Morasco: Incredible!

{ Shelly can’t believe it. Virginia finds her third or fourth wind as she fights her way back to her feet. Virginia begins unloading on Shelly with palm strikes and elbow strikes. Shelly is absolutely defenseless as Virginia seems to be rejuvenated after that kick out! }

Vasco Dias: Looks like Virginia has a reserve tank!

Terri Morasco: Shelly is completely stunned by this attack!

{ Virginia hits a thrust kick and a knee strike to the head of Shelly. Virginia backs off and delivers a nasty Superkick to the jaw of Shelly Diamond! Virginia moves in for a spinning heel kick and a roundhouse kick to the head of Shelly! Diamond goes down. Virginia pulls Shelly up to her feet but the champion comes back to life with a dragon screw leg whip. Shelly is now the one finding her second wind. Shelly pulls Virginia up and into the Neck Brace! }

Vasco Dias: Neck Brace!

Terri Morasco: It’s unbelievable that these two are still going!

Vasco Dias: And still finding moves they haven’t used yet!

{ Shelly pulls Virginia back up to her feet and looks to deliver another Tiger Driver 98 but Virginia fights out of it and connects with an elbow strike. Shelly responds with a kick to the left leg. Virginia responds with a palm strike! Shelly goes for the leg pick but Virginia stuffs and the two women lock up and struggled into the ropes. Shell and Virginia spill through the ropes and off the arpon to the padded floor! Virginia pulls Shelly up to her feet and hits her with a snap dragon suplex into the ring apron! }

Terri Morasco: You’ve got to be kidding me!?

Vasco Dias: A spine crushing snap dragon!

{ Virginia pulls Shelly up to her feet but the champion pushes Virginia off of her and hits a thrust kick to the left leg of Virginia! Shelly then picks up Virginia for a knee breaker! Shelly picks the leg and hits a dragon screw leg whip sending Virginia into the crowd barrier! }

Vasco Dias: They just keep dishing out punishment!

Terri Morasco: It’s unreal!

{ Shelly pulls Virginia up to her feet and runs her toward the ring post but Virginia comes back to life and drives Shelly’s face into the post! Virginia grabs Shelly and hits her with a Russian leg sweep into the crowd barrier! Virginia is hyped up now and pulls Shelly up to her feet. Virginia picks Shelly up and sends her into the ring post with snake eyes! }

Terri Morasco: Snake eyes!

Vasco Dias: Virginia needs to get Shelly back inside the ring and end this!

Terri Morasco: Now may be the time!

{ Virginia pulls Shelly up to her feet and rolls her back into the ring. Virginia rolls in too and looks poised to deliver one more Final Ride. Virginia is fighting through the pain in her leg. She doesn’t care. She wants this more than she has ever wanted anything in her entire life. Virginia stomps her boot into the mat, the pain is worth it for her. Shelly uses the ropes to pull herself up in the corner. Virginia comes running in looking for that Final Ride but Shelly hits a front chop block and sends Virginia crashing into the turnbuckles! }

Vasco Dias: NO!

Terri Morasco: Virginia looked ready to end this but Shelly just keeps coming back!

Vasco Dias: It’s absolutely shocking! Forget anything I said tonight. This is the match of the night and the match of the year!

Terri Morasco: I am with you on that, Vasco!

{ Shelly goes to the outside of the ring, she grabs the legs of Virginia and pulls them out on either side of the ring post. Blue Shoes is telling her to get back inside the ring. But Shelly sees the end in sight. Shelly takes the left leg of Virginia and smacks it against the ring post six times, rapid fire then ties locks in a hanging figure four on the post! }

Vasco Dias: Shelly has the figure four locked in against the ring post!

Terri Morasco: She is going to shred the leg of Virginia Stepanov!

{ Shelly screams as Virginia slaps the mat, her leg in devastating pain right now. Shelly wrenches as hard as she can on that figure four, doing everything in her power to make sure Virginia cannot stand on it again. Virginia desperately fights back the pain by hitting the mat. Blue Shoes is calling for Shelly to break the hold, even trying to untie their legs. Finally Blue Shoes starts his five count and Shelly holds on for the full four seconds before letting go of the figure four! }

Terri Morasco: Blue Shoes finally got Shelly to break the figure four but the damage has already been done!

Vasco Dias: Maybe so but I don’t see Virginia going quietly if she goes at all!

{ Shelly is on her feet on the outside of the ring. She looks completely spent but she’s standing. Blue Shoes is checking on Virginia. Virginia pushes Blue Shoes away and says she’s good to keep going. Virginia grabs the ropes and pulls herself up to her feet. Virginia looks out at Shelly, the two lock eyes. Virginia tells the champion to get her ass back inside the ring. Shelly shakes her head and smiles. Virginia moves away from the ropes and into the center of the ring. Shelly rolls in under the bottom rope and stands up. The two meet in the center of the ring, pressing their foreheads against each other. The two start saying something as they move around each other. Virginia is in noticeable pain but she is fighting through it. }

Vasco Dias: Looks like we’ve got some jaw jacking going on!

Terri Morasco: I wonder what they’re saying to each other?

Vasco Dias: I have no idea.

{ Virginia pulls back and grabs the head of Shelly and delivers a devastating elbow strike to the side of her head! Shelly drops to a knee for a moment but gets back up and unleashes a thrust kick to the left knee of Virginia! Stepanov lets out a yell that she tries to muffle before drilling the champion with another hard elbow strike to the side of Shelly’s head! Shelly responds in kind with her own elbow strike! Virginia smiles, knowing she drew Shelly in and the two start exchanging elbows! But it’s Virginia who gets the upper hand very quickly on the champion and starts driving her backward across the ring! Virginia hits a knee lift and a thrust kick to the gut of the champion and then grabs the champion with a package pile driver! }

Terri Morasco: Package pile driver!

Vasco Dias: That has got to be it!

Terri Morasco: There’s no way Shelly can continue after that!

{ Virginia backs up to a corner of the ring and slaps at her leg trying to make sure she’s good to stand! Shelly pulls herself up. Virginia moves in looking to put the champion away with the Final Ride but just like their first encounter, her leg comes back to haunt her and she stumbles. Shelly moves in but this time Virginia connects with a pump kick! A superkick! Virginia lets out a yell and hits Shelly with the Final Ride!!! }

Vasco Dias: Final Ride!

Terri Morasco: It’s all over!

Vasco Dias: There is no way Shelly is coming back from that!

{ Virginia is on the mat as well after the Final Ride, her leg finally giving out on her. Virginia claws her way to where Shelly is laying. Several precious moments tick by as Virginia moves to make a cover. Virginia drapes her arm over the champion and Blue Shoes makes the count. ONE! TWO! THRE-FOOT ON THE ROPES!!! }

Vasco Dias: Shelly got her foot on the ropes!

Terri Morasco: I don’t believe it!

Vasco Dias: She was too close!

{ Shelly was just too close to the ropes and just touched it with the tip of her boot. Virginia is shocked as she looks up at Blue Shoes from the mat. Virginia pushes herself up to her hands and knees. Virginia grabs the ropes and starts to stand up. Shelly rolls away from the challenger and gets to her hands and knees too. Shelly crawls towards the ropes. Virginia hobbles her way across the ring toward Shelly who is also using the ropes to stand up. }

Terri Morasco: I can’t believe they are still on their feet after all this!

Vasco Dias: It’s shocking. It’s incredible!

{ The crowd is chanting FIGHT FOREVER! Virginia hobbles up to Shelly and hits her with everything she’s got with one more roaring elbow strike! Shelly is dead on her feet as Virginia backs up and looks for one last Final Ride but Shelly hits a thrust kick to the left leg of Virginia that causes Virginia to drop to one knee. Shelly then underhooks Virginia and pulls her up for the TIGER DRIVER 98!!! }

Vasco Dias: TIGER DRIVER 98!!!

Terri Morasco: Smack in the middle of the ring!!!

{ Shelly rolls Virginia over and lays across her as Blue Shoes slides into position to make the count. ONE! TWO! THREE!!! }

Alison Valance: Your winner… AND STILL IWF WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPION!!! SHELLY DIAMOND!!!

{ Shelly stays laying across Virginia as Blue Shoes checks on both of them. }

Vasco Dias: Shelly did it!!! She defeated Virginia in one of the best matches I have ever seen in my entire life!

Terri Morasco: It was shocking! It was brutal! It was an absolute classic!

Vasco Dias: It’ll be a long time before we see another match this good!

Terri Morasco: I agree. Wraith and JC have their work cut out for them.

{ Finally Shelly starts to get up with the help of Blue Shoes. Shelly looks down and then reaches her hand out to Virginia. Virginia takes her hand and Shelly helps her former challenger stand up. Shelly pulls Virginia in and the two hug in the center of the ring as they both exchange words with each other. Virginia turns to face the crowd and the two hold each other’s hands up as the crowd gives them a roaring round of applause! }

Vasco Dias: What an incredible showing of respect between two opponents!

Terri Morasco: It’s beautiful to see!

{ Virginia pulls away to give Shelly her moment and leaves the ring. Blue Shoes hands the champion her title as Shelly now stands alone in the middle of the ring, hoisting her title up over her head. }

Vasco Dias: A hard fought battle between two of the best but Shelly Diamond is on another level!

Terri Morasco: Congratulations to the champion!

{ Shelly’s music plays as she heads out of the ring, her title over her shoulder as we slowly fade out to the next video package. }

[Jess Fowler]

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

SEGMENT
A long way...

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

{The cameras go backstage to show the IWF Men’s World Champion sitting inside his locker room; he is hunched forward with his elbows resting on his knees, and the title is held in both of his hands but dangling in front of him. While he is in his full attire that would suggest Wraith is present, the looming look on his eyes suggested he was still sane… He was still Sabin. A sudden knock comes to the door, and Sabin raises his head.}

Sabin: It’s open.

{The door pries open and Ashley Miller walks into the room; there are several security guards on the other side to escort Ashley safely around the MGM Garden Arena. Sabin’s face immediately lights up when his eyes set on Ashley, who is glowing; she smiles back, albeit weakly.}

Ashley Miller: It’s almost time.

{Sabin nods.}

Sabin: Yeah.

Ashley Miller: It feels like so long ago that we were having to sit in the hallway to wait for your cue.

{Ashley says while sitting on the couch beside Sabin. Sabin chuckles in response to Ashley’s comment, and cocks his head to the side giving a slight shrug of one of his shoulders.}

Ashley Miller: You shouldn’t worry about all of those people out there. You shouldn’t worry about this being Night of the Immortals. You shouldn’t even worry that this is the main event…

{Ashley says in a comforting manner.}

Ashley Miller: It’s just another day. It’s just another match, and you’re going to kick his ass.

{Ashley says while putting her hand on top of Sabin’s. Sabin looks at her hand, and snickers under his breath but nods his head.}

Sabin: Just another match…

{He repeats from her. The background noise suddenly shifts, and he can hear the start of a video montage starting to play…he can hear the ambience from the crowd resonating throughout the backstage area, and his attention shifts over to Ashley.}

Ashley Miller: It’s time for the monster.

{The lights in the locker room all go out, and when they come back on: Ashley is by herself. There is no sign of Sabin. Ashley nods her head with confidence and walks toward the door where security is ready to escort her back to her seat for the main event.}

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

SEGMENT
MONTAGE: Wraith vs. JC Keeton: What brought us here?

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

{The arena and the Imperitron go dark, and all eyes are looking up toward it when the scene opens to show Sabin sitting with the World Championship on his lap, as an interviewer is beside him… Their questions never come in, but Wraith gives his explanation while more glimpses of his past successes are highlighted throughout the video montage. The montage includes the clips inside of the ring, as well as clips from external sources: when Sabin was slapped by Jason Cashe at a FIGHT event where Sabin was a guest; again where Sabin and Jason Cashe were caught outside of The Velvet Rabbit in a brawl. Following the scenes of what happened there, Sabin is seen at a few fan events where fans close to his age would take a swing at him; it alternated by showing a series of tweets from others in the industry tweeting insults at him, before returning to showing Sabin walking away from the fans that tried to take a swing at him.}

People want to pick fights with me. It is something that I hear quite often, yes. I hear people tell me all the time that I did not earn my spot… I hear people telling me that I do not deserve to be inside of the ring with some of the people that I have shared the ring with; the likes of Chris Page, the likes of Angel, and even some people do not believe that I deserve to be in the ring with my own brother, and… well… you know, all I can really do is try to shrug them off and keep doing what I’m doing, because there is a reason that I am the champion, and there is a reason why I am the youngest to ever hold this title.

People will tell me that it’s luck…
People will tell me I got here because of Mother.
People will make every excuse they can for why I am where I am, and none of them will ever say that it is because I earned it, but…

I earned it.

{The video comes back to showing Sabin sitting on the couch and nodding his head while listening intently, and respectfully to the interviewer beside him.}

People want to talk, and talk, and talk, until they have my attention, but when they get my attention… They are not going to want it.



How do I know that I am going to walk out of Night of the Immortals as the IWF Men’s World Champion? I do not truly take anything away from JC Keeton… He has had a path paved in gold since he returned; he has taken the IWF World Television Championship– he has taken the Tag Team Titles– he has stepped outside of the IWF, as have I, and he has taken title after title after title… But this title. This title is mine. I know that I am going to beat him, I know that I am going to walk out with my title because I know the skills I have inside of the ring! Because I know who I am inside of the ring! Does he? No. One minute, he’s talking of higher praise and honor, and the next, he’s talking like a narcissist. He–

{Sabin chuckles under his breath.}

He is going to battle with himself, whereas I…

{The scene suddenly shifts to Sacrifice from several weeks ago; JC Keeton and Wraith have their eyes locked, and JC Keeton has what Wraith would describe as a smug look on his face after he had given the order: break Warren Suffering’s arm, and with little hesitation, Wraith did just that. The scene quickly goes back to Sabin being interviewed.}

Will do what I must… I will do what I must to walk out with my title. I will walk out with my title. It can end no other way.

{The scene fades out momentarily and the arena is enshrouded in darkness… The crowd is murmuring amongst themselves until they hear the monstrous voice of Wraith overtake the speakers, and the words that come out generate a buzz amongst them when they go into an uproar for the reigning champion.}

iLíl yoo yeedláñgiñ ýat guçajáañ!

{The first words that Wraith said during his match against Angel during Holiday Havoc; the imagery fades in to show Wraith standing across from Angel, his stepfather, in what would prove to be the rise of the son, the rise of the heir, and the rise of the self-proclaimed future king of the industry. The screen flashes white momentarily, and it shows the legendary Angel and Wraith coming to blows!

The screen darkens momentarily before coming back up, and showing Wraith on his knees in front of Angel…where he mutters: iLíl yoo yeedláñgiñ ýat guçajáañ! The battle wages on between them until we eventually see Wraith standing over him as the victor.}

I am the heir!

{We see glimpses of the people that Wraith has conquered throughout his short career, showing Ulf Hednir locked into the Gogoplata.}

My family is royalty!

{The scene changes, but the move remains the same: Wraith has all of his opponents locked in the Gogoplata and all of them are tapping for their life… even culminating in Nick Knight.}

This is my ring!

{The words echo as it slowly diminishes.}

{The scene opens to show Sabin sitting with the World Championship on his lap, as an interviewer is beside him… Their questions never come in, but Wraith gives his explanation while more glimpses of his past successes are highlighted throughout the video montage. The montage includes the clips inside of the ring, as well as clips from external sources: when Sabin was slapped by Jason Cashe at a FIGHT event where Sabin was a guest; again where Sabin and Jason Cashe were caught outside of The Velvet Rabbit in a brawl.}

People want to pick fights with me. It is something that I hear quite often, yes. I hear people tell me all the time that I did not earn my spot… I hear people telling me that I do not deserve to be inside of the ring with some of the people that I have shared the ring with; the likes of Chris Page, the likes of Angel, and even some people do not believe that I deserve to be in the ring with my own brother, and… well… you know, all I can really do is try to shrug them off and keep doing what I’m doing, because there is a reason that I am the champion, and there is a reason why I am the youngest to ever hold this title.

People will tell me that it’s luck…
People will tell me I got here because of Mother.
People will make every excuse they can for why I am where I am, and none of them will ever say that it is because I earned it, but…

I earned it.

{The video comes back to showing Sabin sitting on the couch and nodding his head while listening intently, and respectfully to the interviewer beside him.}

People want to talk, and talk, and talk, until they have my attention, but when they get my attention… They are not going to want it.

{After landing the modified Fallen Phoenix, Wraith maintains his grasp on Ulf and transitions into the Gogoplata! Ulf is struggling to get free and groans out in frustration as he has been caught; his face is starting to turn shades of blue, but he is still refusing to tap for the time being…he manages to wearily plant his feet on the ground trying to find his own balance. Ulf grunts as he is trying to lift Wraith– Wraith doesn’t budge, and Ulf’s legs give out beneath him…Ulf finally taps against Wraith’s legs with his hand, and Blue Shoes signals for the bell! This crowd is astonished after what they just saw.

“AND NEW!”

Wraith cradles the belt in his arms with his eyes sparkling with a fixed gaze on the belt. Blood drips from the bridge of his nose onto the championship, and Wraith smears it across the golden plate with his hand…

“IWF! WORLD! CHAMPION!”

{Wraith puts the belt over his shoulder and climbs the nearest corner to hold the belt high over his head while letting out his own victorious howl to the audience; doing what his biological father was never able to do: win the big one. Wraith takes a moment to point toward Ashley Miller who has been cheering louder for him than anyone else throughout the whole match, and still cheering louder afterward.}

{The imagery fades from Wraith winning the championship to High Stakes in the middle of the Roulette… We witness JC eliminating Adel; Ulf and JC eliminating Warren Kane; JC eliminating Mr. Happy; JC and Knox eliminating Stephen Terrella; JC eliminating Ulf. Finally JC Keeton and Jason Cashe are standing across from each other…a quick fade of the scenery as it shows both men nearing the ropes. The roar from the crowd is heard as the scene comes back in to unveil that JC Keeton won the 2022 Roulette!}

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! WELCOME! TO! EMERGENCE!

{The voice is heard as we unveil the Pro Wrestling Valor event that highlighted several IWF superstars, including JC Keeton and Wraith… The Triad Rumble is the event being highlighted during this clip, in which we see a number of people being eliminated; however, the cameras are focused on the ring where Wraith is standing after JC Keeton had been eliminated, and he slides back into the ring to eliminate Wraith.}

…you make excuses, I find solutions!



{The instrumentals for “Ready To Combat” play over the PA when the Imperitron lights up to show the PWV event: JC Keeton and Wraith are taking their fight into the crowd, with neither man backing down… Security is trying to rush onto the scene and cause the crowd to disperse, but to no avail… Security is able to successfully hold them back; both of the combatants for the main event of Night of the Immortals are in an intense staredown while the fans are divided between watching their brawl, and paying attention to the chaos inside of the ring…but the fans seem to definitely be watching Wraith and JC Keeton over all else.}

I'm not violent but let's play a little game
Let's pretend you'll listen to me, every word I say
You’ve been all up over me, yeah all up in my space
Back off
Back off
Don't know why I let you walk all over me
Let you get the upper hand but not for long you see
Now you're in a position I wouldn't wanna be
Back off
Back off

{The screen flashes with JC Keeton taking the fight to Adel Trevant, and Mr. Happy; including the one-on-one contest between him and Mr. Happy at the May 6th edition of Sacrifice…}

Sabin Voiceover:
This match has become a first blood match! … Tables match! … TWO OUT OF THREE FALLS! … NO COUNT OUTS!

{While the music continues to play, JC Keeton becomes increasingly furious with every addition from that night. The scene transitions to JC Keeton holding a blindfold out for Wraith…}

JC Keeton Voiceover:
You’re gonna need this.

{The video montage plays with Wraith now battling Warren Suffering, and getting the upper hand…}

JC Keeton Voiceover:
Finishers are banned! … This match is now an I QUIT Match!

You can try to minimize me, but here's the truth,
I've been saving all my savage up just for you,

{The scene shows Wraith holding Warren Suffering in a cross armbar, and then fixates back on JC Keeton…}

JC Keeton:
…if you want to win this match… You’ve gotta break it.

{The music fades temporarily, while the video focuses on Wraith inside of the ring still with Warren Suffering in his grasp. Showing a slight bit of remorse before finally gritting his teeth and wrenching Warren Suffering's arm back, appearing to snap it at the elbow.}

I’m ready for combat, ready for rage
Haven't you heard? Luck favours the crazy
I'll make you fight back, yeah how you like that?
And just like that I got you
Ready for combat, give me a war
Tick like a timebomb, ready to roar
Let me ignite that, yeah how you like that?
And just like that I got you
Ready for combat

{Keeton leaps over the top rope, greeting the incoming Wraith with a few hard right hands! If he feels the pain, Wraith hides it well. Each blow merely turns Wraith's head. JC whips Wraith into the ropes, dropping to the canvas as Wraith skips over him. Wraith rebounds off the opposite side, and Keeton leapfrogs him as Wraith ducks his head. As Wraith rebounds again, JC lays a dropkick into his grill that puts Wraith on the canvas!}

{Wraith turns around and begins throwing knees into Keeton's midsection. JC eats some blows before starting to get his hands in the way, and then answers with some punches to Wraith.}

Kinda fun watch you trying to escape
Long time I stayed out of it, now I instigate
Making up for lost time, I could do this all day
Back off
Back off
Don't act like you haven't been asking for it
Don't act like it isn't your fault
You always provoking me, I ignored it
Now I'm gonna give you my all

{Wraith and Keeton are now fighting on one side of the ring; the bell is sounding uncontrollably after Blue Shoes had called for a no contest to this match that was supposed to happen on the May 20 edition of Sacrifice, that has just dissolved into a brawl with Wraith and JC Keeton still just throwing wild strikes at one another.}

I’m ready for combat, ready for rage
Haven't you heard? Luck favours the crazy
I'll make you fight back, yeah how you like that?
And just like that I got you
Ready for combat, give me a war
Tick like a timebomb, ready to roar
Let me ignite that, yeah how you like that?
And just like that I got you
Ready for combat

{The camera cuts back to the ring, and JC Keeton and Wraith are all alone inside after the other fights have worked their way away from the ring. JC Keeton stands ready on the apron after throwing Wraith inside. He leaps up on the top rope and hits Wraith with a springboard cutter! Keeton looks back at Wraith, and the champion lays motionless for a moment. However it isn't long before Wraith sits up and looks over at JC. Keeton pounds the mat, motioning for Wraith to come on. As both men rise to their feet, the champion does just that- laying into his future challenger with a series of shoot kicks. Wraith sweeps JC's legs, and waits on him to get back up. Wraith tries for the Fallen Phoenix, but JC clings to the top rope for the stop! JC backs into the corner, rallying the crowd behind him. When Wraith sits up, Keeton readies himself. Once Wraith finally stands, JC caves his chest in with a jumping double foot stomp! JC makes the motion for a title belt around his waist. Yet again though, albeit after a little longer timeframe, the champion sits up. Wraith cocks his head, and the distracted Keeton doesn't notice. Wraith stands, and when Keeton becomes cued in to what's going on by the sound of the crowd, he turns to have Wraith hit him with the 'Mirror Image’...}

{The music comes into its final moments and closing with Wraith standing over JC Keeton at the end of Sacrifice with the Night of the Immortals banner expertly displayed by the camera in the background.}

{The scenery transitions back to the live arena where Vasco Dias and Terri Morasco are seated at the commentators table.}

Vasco Dias: This thing has just gotten crazy between these two, and it all comes down to TONIGHT! Who is going to walk out with their arm raised?

Terri Morasco: That is a good question, and we’ve seen some of the lengths that Wraith is willing to go to to get the victory. Warren Suffering did nothing to deserve that! But JC Keeton has…is that going to have something to do with what happens during their match?

Vasco Dias: And we’re almost there!

[Jess Fowler]

IWF MEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

SINGLES MATCH

Wraith (c) vs. JC Keeton



Terri Morasco: It's time Vasco. What an amazing show we've had so far and I've got goosebumps over what's about to cap it off.

Vasco Dias: We've been sitting here for every Night of the Immortals there has been and I don't recall ever feeling the kind of electricity in a building like what I feel right now.

{The lights dim and a bolt of blue lightning hits the ramp producing a burst of smoke and when it clears standing in a spotlight arms stretched out to the side in his ring gear as well as an old hoodie and backwards hat is JC Keeton. The crowd explodes with the cheers and boos nearly even before the beat to "I Am The One" by Vo Williams hits.}



Vasco Dias: Is there some significance to the sweatshirt?

Terri Morasco: Jake Keeton wore that to the ring when he won the Power Surgery Wrestling World Championship for the first time in 2002.

Vasco Dias: I hope it's been washed in the last 20 years.

Ah-huh, yeah

Turn the lights on, I′ma go live
Feelin' like a legend in my own time
My legacy, inevitable destiny
I bet I′m gon' shine when it's go time
It′s no block in the prophecy, that′s promise
I saw it all, how they fall, and I stood longest
I don't need you to praise me or acknowledge
Can′t stop, won't stop, gotta go hardest

Terri Morasco: Say what you will about his brashness but JC Keeton has earned this moment.

Vasco Dias: You'd be a fool not to feel that way.

{JC just stands in the spotlight, arms out and eyes closed taking in the moment.}

I felt the breath in my lungs
Leave me when chances were none
I never run, no way my story is done
My legend has only begun

{The lights come up and JC's father, the legendary Jake Keeton as well as an unknown man step out onto the stage behind JC. The trio begins to make the slow walk to the ring.}

Terri Morasco: We knew Jake Keeton would be in JC's corner tonight. The other man may be familiar to some fans as he's also a multiple time World Champion in other promotions, JC's uncle Josh Killings.

Vasco Dias: I knew he looked familiar.

I am the one
I am the one
I am the one
Many before me have come
After me there will be none
I am the one
Many before me have come
After me there will be none
I am the one

{JC tosses the hat into the crowd.}



Turn the lights on, I'ma go live
0 To 1000 in no time
Walkin′ on the wild side like it's no line
You shoulda never told me I won't die
The weight of the world on my shoulders
The fate of a culture, the faith and devotion
I′m the one that was made for this moment
A saviour, the chosen, the wave is approachin′
And I keep comin' back with my energy done
And I beat on my chest like a victory drum
It′s time to be what I'm meant to become

Terri Morasco: Listen to this crowd! A lot of the fans have been turned off as of late by JC's arrogance leading into this match but he still has his fair share of supporters.

Vasco Dias: Rightfully so.

I am the one
I am the one
I am the one
Many before me have come
After me there will be none
I am the one
Many before me have come
After me there will be none
I am the one

{They reach ringside and Jake Keeton and Josh Killings hype JC up before JC removes the hoodie and hands it to Josh who takes it to the back. Jake remains by JC's side as the two of them enter the ring.}

There ain′t no stoppin' me, I am the one
Fulfillin′ my prophecy, I will become
Straight like a bullet that's shot from a gun
Ride with me or die with me now here I come
There ain't no stoppin′ me, I am the one
Pray for the one′s doubting me, countin' me done
There is no ending me I just begun
Ride with me or die with me now here I come
There ain′t no stoppin' me, I am the one
There is no ending me I just begun

{JC looks to the front row where his entire family and some close friends are seated. He blows a kiss to Lian and Dizzie.}

I am the one
I am the one
I am the one
Many before me have come
After me there will be none
I am the one
Many before me have come
After me there will be none
I am the one

{As the song ends Jake hands JC his mouth piece and they share a hug before the elder Keeton heads down to the floor.}

Terri Morasco: What a moment shared by father and son.

Vasco Dias: It warmed my black heart.

{The camera takes a shot of the front row where Ashley Miller, Sabin’s pregnant girlfriend can be seen being escorted to her seat in the front row, right beside her brother Bam Miller. Bam is getting himself a container of popcorn and tosses a kernel into his mouth before he notices the camera on him and Ashley, and he waves to the camera. Meanwhile, Ashley cups her hands over her mouth and looks a little concerned for the match that’s about to take place as the grand finale of Night of the Immortals.}

Vasco Dias: Bam and Ashley Miller are in the house, and Ashley looks like she’s already nervous about the match that’s going to take place. And for good reason! I think tonight is the night…tonight is the night that JC Keeton takes his place at the top of the IWF.

Terri Morasco: Are you counting out Tara’s son already? You don’t usually root against her, but you’re willing to root against her son?

Vasco Dias: There are certain things that only come with experience, and I just don’t think–

Terri Morasco: He’s the World Champion! The list of people that he’s beaten…are you crazy?

Vasco Dias: You make a valid point, but I’m going to go ahead and say that I just feel that tonight is JC Keeton’s night. He’s got his father in his corner! You don’t bring the parents out to watch unless you’re confident that you are going to win.

{The fog machines begin to shoot fog all around the top of the stage and the crowd is murmuring amongst each other; JC is leaning against the corner with Jake standing behind him and patting his shoulders… The rows of lights go out one by one, and the erupts into a cheer as each one goes off.}

Vasco Dias: Wraith is here!

Terri Morasco: The main event of Night of the Immortals is about to be underway, and this is going to be a good one! We have two second-generation wrestlers, both of which have legendary…absolutely legendary parents in this business!

Vasco Dias: Jake Keeton, at JC’s side, and Tara Fenix being the mother to our IWF World Champion.

{The MGM Garden Arena is enshrouded in darkness which is the usual indication that the lights will come back on and the champion will be in the center of the ring… But rather than the lights all coming on, the fans are met with the beginning of “The Joker” by Damien and Terje Tylden beginning to play over the PA.}



I am the heart
I am the end and I am the start
I am the spark
I am the blood in your mouth
And the taste of your doubt
Now question what made all the scars

I am the blade
I am the anger, I am the rage
I am the pain
I am the constant reminder of what really happens when panic will pop all of your veins

Come for what's mine, this is my time
Planets and moons have finally aligned
I am the prime and I am the brain
And I am the spine, look for my sign
I am the day and I am the night
A touch from my hand will turn water to wine
Bitches be ready for stitches, the joker is rolling and brawling and ready to fight!

{A spotlight finally does shine down atop the stage as the fog is beginning to dissipate from the center; Wraith is sitting on a throne with the IWF Men’s World Championship around his waist, and wearing a crown and skull mask which is causing the crowd to go into a louder uproar in favor of the champion; he turns his head back and forth while remaining in the chair throughout the duration of the first verse, and going into the second verse before he finally stands up and removes the skull mask, and places it on the throne. The white face paint is still there, and he takes a couple of bold strides forward to stand at the top of the stage… He reaches behind himself to unstrap the championship from his waist, and raises it in a single motion with a sinister grin on his face.}



Alison Valance: Ladies and gentlemen! On his way to the ring…from Anchorage, Alaska: the IWF Men’s World Champion, WRAITH!

{Wraith holds the pose for several seconds while flashes of light are flickering throughout the crowd as each person is snapping pictures while they can. He lets out a war cry while stomping forward a few more steps with his eyes locked on the challenger: JC Keeton is standing in the ring, looking ready to go, and Wraith finally stops at the bottom of the ramp. He cocks his head to the side as JC near the center of the ring and is starting to challenge Wraith to get into the ring so the match can get underway.}

Vasco Dias: JC is ready to go, but Wraith is actually making these people wait for it!

Terri Morasco: I don’t know how much longer he can– {The lights go out a second time.} What the?

{The lights come back on, and Wraith is in the center of the ring; JC does take a step back just from being startled by his sudden entrance into the ring but then immediately steps forward while the champion's music continues to play… The two are nose to nose, with neither one looking to back down until Blue Shoes finally steps between them and is telling each man to back into their corner. JC Keeton goes to his corner, and Wraith goes to his, but he does not yet relinquish the championship. The music finally cuts, and Alison Valance is there for the announcement whilst Blue Shoes does go toward Wraith to retrieve the championship, and Wraith hands him the crown from atop his head as well as the championship. Blue Shoes hands the crown right out to someone on the outside, but holds the championship for the time being.}

Alison Valance: Ladies and gentlemen, this match is scheduled for one fall and it is your MAIN EVENT of the EVENING! And it is for the Imperial Wrestling Federation’s Men’s World Championship! Standing in one corner is the challenger: JC! KEETON!

{The crowd gives a slight cheer for the challenger.}

Alison Valance: And in the other corner is your reigning IWF Men’s World Champion: WRAITH!

{The crowd goes into a bit of a louder frenzy for Wraith. Blue Shoes calls for both of them to come out of their corners, and they oblige while standing across the ring from each other. Blue Shoes takes a moment to hold the belt over his head and holds the pose for two to three seconds before rushing over and handing the title over to the timekeeper, and back in to call for the bell! The match is on!}

Vasco Dias: These two look ready to go, and this crowd is ready for the grand finale!

Terri Morasco: This is going to be one for the ages!

{Both men were ready to come out of their corners swinging just before Blue Shoes could sound for the bell; Jake Keeton, JC’s father, watched with caution… The ambience from the crowd is already deafening inside of the MGM Garden Arena, and now the champion and the challenger are both trying to get into the head of the other as they encircle the ring. Their eyes are locked; neither man is daring to take the first step… Every minor twitch they make causes the other to appear ready to react in a manner of defense. Both are identical in size; both are in similar conditioning.

The early seconds of the match seem to last forever between the two, but after ten seconds of sizing each other up… The camera transitions to show Jake Keeton standing at ringside, but the anticipation is building for him. The cameras pan out to unveil the audience that are all on their feet and cheering for the two to begin their warfare in the grand finale of Night of the Immortals. The camera returns to the challenger and champion in the center of the screen, and after satisfaction from both men in sizing the other up and each one believing they have the perfect answer to start this contest, they charge for the center of the ring!

JC Keeton and Wraith lock up near the middle, where JC is starting to gain the edge over the champion by shoving him back into the corner; Wraith quickly turns it around, and tries to pull himself free but to no avail. JC turns it back around and has Wraith pinned against the turnbuckle before driving a knee to his midsection and following in with an overhand chop! Wraith shrugs it off and connects with a headbutt that sends JC Keeton staggering back to the center of the ring, holding his jaw.}

Terri Morasco: That headbutt may have dislocated his jaw right there!

Vasco Dias: That’s Wraith sending a message to JC Keeton, saying you cannot hurt me!

{Wraith sprints out of the corner, and JC catches him for a hip toss! But Wraith is able to spin out and land back on his feet; he goes for a hip toss of his own, but JC locks himself in to prevent Wraith from being able to sail him over. Wraith connects with a quick jab to JC’s stomach before putting his leg over in an attempt to go for a standing famouser; JC is able to fling Wraith upward causing him to commit to a backflip and land behind JC! Wraith then grabs JC to lift him for a backdrop! The crowd goes into an awe in anticipation for the drop…

But JC flips backward and lands back on his feet, and then immediately rolls him up for a schoolboy pin attempt! Before Blue Shoes can even get into position to count, Wraith rolls through and both challenger and champion return to their feet…JC goes for a spinning kick, which Wraith ducks, and Wraith goes for a leg sweep which JC is able to leap over to avoid the contact!}

Vasco Dias: These two are looking to land just anything they can against the other, but each one has come prepared.

Terri Morasco: The agility on each man is pretty astounding, and they’re not done yet!

Vasco Dias: JC goes for a jumping knee, but Wraith is able to get his hands up to block– but JC shows no signs of slowing, and Wraith is just on the defense.

{Each strike that JC throws, whether it’s palm, elbow, knee, or kick, Wraith is losing ground from each one and is being forced to dodge or block; JC finally throws a straight right hook, and Wraith is able to snatch it! He spins JC around and attempts to drag him down for a fujiwara armbar, but JC is able to spin out of it and wriggle his arm free… Both men remain standing, and the crowd let out a simultaneous gasp and sigh of relief for JC Keeton.}

Vasco Dias: Wraith is a submission artist, and capable of getting nearly any hold locked in to force them to tap out.

{JC Keeton and Wraith lock horns a second time! This time, Wraith is gaining the edge over his adversary and is shoving him back into the corner, but at the last second, JC Keeton manages to turn it around and quickly breaks free before coming in with an overhand chop that is heard throughout the entire MGM Garden Arena, gaining a response from the crowd in the process. Wraith quickly recuperates, but before he can come back with a hand of his own, JC Keeton drives an elbow in and then holds his elbow there to use it to choke Wraith!

Blue Shoes steps forth and is immediately in JC Keeton’s face explaining the choke here is illegal; JC Keeton waits for the count of five before letting go, and the crowd is letting them know what they think of his tactics with an uproar of boos.}

Blue Shoes: I will disqualify you!

Jake Keeton: Come on, son, focus on what you need to do!

Vasco Dias: JC Keeton is finally turning the tide in his favor with that aggression, and y’know…I think it’s a beautiful thing to watch! This is what this title means; this is what this moment means! The main event of Night of the Immortals is EVERYTHING!

Terri Morasco: But he doesn’t want to win this way, Vasco.

Vasco Dias: He’s going to do whatever it takes to win, Terri, I’ll bet you anything on that!

{After sharing a few words with Blue Shoes, JC Keeton delivers a kick to Wraith’s midsection; he drives in a second, a third, and a fourth kick before Wraith falls to a seated position in the corner.}

Vasco Dias: And he’s going right back to work!

Terri Morasco: This is a side we’re not too familiar with seeing out of him.

{JC Keeton presses his heel against Wraith’s neck and grips the top rope; he begins pulling himself toward him and is using that leverage to use his boot to choke Wraith! Blue Shoes is already making an attempt to step in, and the crowd is in more of an uproar this time…}

Terri Morasco: Oh, come on! I would support JC, Vasco, I really would; he’s been on a tear all year! All of 2021, and all of 2022, and in fact, it was Night of the Immortals last year where he won his first title in the IWF! But he did that CLEAN!

Vasco Dias: This isn’t the TV Title, and he’s facing someone, or something, that defeated Ulf by making him tap out. You have to go the extra mile here! Here in the main event of Night of the Immortals, people aren’t going to remember who challenged for the title, they are only going to remember who walked out with it.

{The camera does a quick shot at Jake Keeton; there is a hint of confusion expressed there but he still applauds for his son.}

Jake Keeton: Way to go!

{JC again releases the choke at the count of four, and then takes a couple of steps back while Blue Shoes is already chewing him out.}

Blue Shoes: I don’t want to do it! Don’t make me do it!

{JC nods his head to Blue Shoes as if understanding, but then moves him slightly out of the way before charging in and connecting with a dropkick to the downed champion! Wraith rolls onto the ring apron as JC springs back to his feet; he doesn’t want to give Wraith an escape and leans over the top rope to grab a handful of Wraith’s hair and starts pulling him back to a standing position. Jake Keeton is instructing JC on what to look for during this time, like a coach in the corner of their fighter, and JC sets Wraith up for a vertical suplex, but Wraith shows his own life by throwing a quick uppercut to his midsection. JC looks unphased by it, as he braced for it. JC delivers his own strike to Wraith’s ribcage and then finally raises him up for the vertical suplex!

The two land back in the middle of the ring, and JC Keeton scrambles to make the cover and uses all of his weight to hold Wraith’s shoulders down.}


ONE!


…


…


…


TWO!


{Wraith is able to kick out!}

Vasco Dias: You have the veteran, Jake Keeton, a former eleven-time World Champion, and the father of the number one contender telling him what to look for, and you have to imagine that played a pivotal role in JC bracing for that punch. He ate it! But he was ready for it!

Terri Morasco: But let’s not forget how JC Keeton was able to transition this momentum into his favor!

{Wraith rolls onto his side and is trying to shake the cobwebs. JC Keeton is already up to his feet and gets a running start as he delivers a straight kick to Wraith’s back! Wraith arches his back from the impact, and falls back onto the mat and now JC Keeton is going to town with a series of stomps against the champion… JC Keeton leans down and grabs Wraith by the head to pull him up to a vertical base, and follows in immediately with an uppercut connecting with Wraith’s jaw; he releases Wraith, and Wraith staggers just one step back before JC Keeton leaps up and connects with a beautiful standing dropkick! JC Keeton makes another cover:}


ONE!


…


…


…


TWO!


{Wraith is able to get his shoulder up.}

Vasco Dias: JC Keeton is fighting smart here tonight. He is going for those quick covers to force Wraith to exert some of that energy, and slowly wearing him down; this is a marathon, Terri, not a sprint!

Terri Morasco: Like I said, remember how he gained this advantage.

{JC Keeton gets up to his feet, and pulls Wraith up simultaneously; he takes him by the arm and goes to send him for an Irish-whip, only to pull him back and connect with a jumping knee! Wraith is staggered, but still standing, and JC Keeton then goes low and takes Wraith down with a double leg takedown transitioning it into a heavy slam! JC Keeton rolls over him and pulls his legs to roll him up.

Before Blue Shoes is able to make the cover, Wraith gets his arms up and gets JC Keeton into a sleeper hold! JC Keeton flails his arms into the air and scrambles to get himself onto his stomach before pushing himself to his feet; Wraith has the hold applied the entire time, and JC charges him backward into the turnbuckle whilst capitalizing now with several elbows to his midsection until he is forced to let go. JC turns and connects with a few shoulder thrusts.

After four shoulder thrusts, JC goes for a fifth– but Wraith is able to wriggle free enough to go over for a sunset flip and rolls JC up into a cover!}


ONE!


…


…


…


TWO!


…


…


{JC transitions his weight and is over Wraith, and Blue Shoes goes for the count:}


ONE!


…


…


…


{Wraith bridges out of it!}

Terri Morasco: Wraith is showing off his own athleticism and strength with how he got out of that one, because that’s not an easy way to get out of a cover!

Vasco Dias: And it does not appear that he’s done! Wraith transitions and… NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX!

{Following the Northern Lights Suplex, Wraith keeps the bridge in and Blue Shoes counts:}


ONE!


…


…


…


TWO!


…


…


{JC Keeton, not to be outdone, shows his own athleticism by bridging out of the pin attempt… JC’s arms are locked around Wraith as he is looking to do a similar transition into the reversal, and Wraith answers by driving an elbow against JC’s ribs; JC holds for a moment, but a second elbow, and both challenger and champion tumble back to the mat with Wraith making the cover.}

ONE!


…


…


…


TWO!


{JC kicks out this time!}

Vasco Dias: I hate to say it, but that’s what happens when JC tries to show off. He’s got to play it smart, and Wraith is too smart to put himself in such a disastrous position.

Terri Morasco: That’s exactly right, Vasco. JC didn’t want to be outdone, but he paid for it.

{JC rolls onto his side and is starting to use the ropes to pull himself back up; however, Wraith is already up to his feet and delivering several clubbing blows against JC’s back! JC tumbles forward with his head hanging over the second rope, and Wraith shows his own ruthlessness by using his knee against the back of JC’s neck and using it to choke JC between his knee and the ropes!}

Vasco Dias: You see! These fans cheer for him, but not JC, despite him doing the same things? This is hypocrisy!

Terri Morasco: The point that Wraith made is that he OWNS what he is, but JC is a fake! That’s been his argument!

{Blue Shoes gets between Wraith and JC Keeton at the count of four, and Wraith releases.}

Blue Shoes: Damn it, I’ll disqualify you, too!

{Wraith takes a couple of steps back but sneers at his prey. Jake Keeton circles the outside of the ring to check on his son, which gets the attention from Blue Shoes as he is then shouting at him…}

Blue Shoes: Step back, sir!

{Blue Shoes orders. Jake Keeton raises his hands to protest innocence.}

Terri Morasco: JC Keeton is finally starting to get a taste of his own medicine, and he’s bringing that demon out!

Vasco Dias: Jake Keeton has done nothing wrong and doesn’t deserve that kind of judgment from Blue Shoes!

{JC Keeton is still hanging over the middle rope, and Wraith closes the gap between them again; he uses his foot to step off from JC Keeton’s back, and comes back driving both knees against JC’s back!

Wraith runs back against the far ropes to rebound off of them; he comes back and slides underneath the bottom rope to seemingly go for a baseball slide against Jake Keeton, but the elder Keeton wisely steps away and keeps his hands up to assure Blue Shoes that he is not intervening; Wraith shoots a glare at him before turning and connecting with a palm strike to JC Keeton, and JC now goes back into the ring while holding his cheek.

Wraith pulls himself back to the ring apron before ultimately climbing up to the top rope and awaits for JC Keeton to turn around; while JC is stumbling, he inadvertently bumps into the ropes causing Wraith to lose his balance and hurts his groin as he falls against the turnbuckle…}

Vasco Dias: Good news, Ashley, you probably won’t be having anymore kids!

{Blue Shoes backs to a safe distance, and seems to be thinking whether JC Keeton did that intentionally or not, but has no evidence one way nor the other.}

Terri Morasco: JC Keeton got some breathing room from that act of desperation.

Vasco Dias: It’s Wraith’s own fault; he was choking him not too long ago, and that cuts the oxygen, so he of course is going to stumble. There’s no way that was intentional!

{Wraith is holding the top ropes while bringing his legs to the front and in visible pain after that landing, and JC Keeton finally shakes the cobwebs out and sees the opportunity; he goes toward the ropes and delivers a swift punch to Wraith’s midsection to stagger him before climbing to the first rope, a second punch, and up to the second rope, a third punch, and up to the third; he now stands over Wraith and begins to strike him several more times before looking out at the crowd which gives him a pop…

JC Keeton leaps up and goes for a frankensteiner!

Wraith is able to shove him off in an attempt for a powerbomb, but JC Keeton flips backward and lands back on his feet; he then launches himself forward while Wraith is still seated on the turnbuckle and connects with a leaping uppercut!

The entire crowd gasps, and the camera goes for a shot of Ashley as Wraith is starting to fall backward but his legs get caught in the middle rope to keep him seated on the turnbuckle.}

Vasco Dias: Nobody hits that uppercut quite like JC Keeton, and Jake is on the outside telling him to take full advantage of the situation!

Terri Morasco: Wraith is in a world of trouble here, and JC Keeton doesn’t look like he’s slowing down–

Vasco Dias: JC Keeton is climbing the rope again and now with Wraith dazed, this could be his chance to capitalize on the situation.

{JC reaches back to Wraith’s head to pull him back onto the turnbuckle whilst simultaneously climbing to the second rope. JC delivers several punches to Wraith’s ribcage before setting him up and sailing him over perfectly with a superplex! JC Keeton holds his back, but manages to pull himself over Wraith.}

ONE!


…


…


…


TWO!


…


…


…


THR–


{Wraith kicks out!}

Vasco Dias: It doesn’t get much closer than that, and I thought for sure that we were looking at a new champion after that one!

Terri Morasco: Listen, I haven’t agreed with some of JC’s strategy going into this match, but he’s going to have to keep going if he wants to win this in front of his dad and in front of the world.

{JC Keeton rolls over so he’s lying on his back, and stares up at the lights momentarily. Outside of the ring, Jake Keeton is trying to motivate his son to get up and keep a strong offense; the crowd is roaring for each man to get back to their feet, but JC Keeton is still enjoying the moment for a breather.}

Vasco Dias: JC Keeton needs to keep the pressure up, but he seems to be slowing down.

Terri Morasco: It is good news that Wraith has not gotten up yet either, so he could be hurting, too.

{About fifteen seconds pass before Blue Shoes decides that it’s time to start counting for a knockout; JC Keeton does get up to his feet before Blue Shoes can even start the count and immediately stomps atop Wraith before going toward the ropes to gain some momentum; he comes back and looks for a certain move to showcase his acrobatic ability…

WRAITH SITS UP! Wraith sits straight up, and looks directly at JC Keeton with eyes that pierce and chill the poor soul of any man that is his adversary on any given night. Jake Keeton looks silenced on the outside of the ring, but immediately is shouting for JC to focus.}

Jake Keeton: Focus, son! Focus! It’s just mind games, JC! He’s just trying to get in your head!

Vasco Dias: Wraith is up! JC acted too slow.

{JC grits his teeth while Wraith gets back to his feet. Both of them move toward the center of the ring, and Wraith connects with an elbow! The adrenaline from JC Keeton has him shake it off, and he fires back with his own, and the two are now exchanging strikes in the center of the ring… JC becomes more and more relentless with his strikes and is able to start battering Wraith back into the corner before just raining them in; Wraith tries to defend, but JC connects with a hard shoulder thrust to his midsection and then lifts him up to a seated position on the turnbuckle.

JC grabs Wraith by the head and throws several more strikes just to make sure he’s staggered enough before finally backing up and indicating he’s going for a second leaping uppercut.}

Vasco Dias: He’s going to break Wraith’s jaw!

{JC charges toward Wraith and goes for the leaping uppercut! But…something is wrong! JC is struggling to pull his arm back, and the crowd pops as Wraith shows that he caught it; he spins JC around and gets him into an inverted headlock before raising him off of the canvas into a dragon sleeper!}

Vasco Dias: What just happened?!

Terri Morasco: Wraith saw it coming this time, and now JC Keeton could get taken out with this dragon sleeper!

Vasco Dias: He’s on the ropes!

{JC Keeton is kicking his legs repeatedly to try to shift his weight back toward the ring, as Wraith continues to hold him and is trying to wrench a bit tighter; JC manages to get his feet back on the ground and takes Wraith forward and down in a running powerslam!}

Vasco Dias: He found a way out of that one, and you can see him grabbing his neck almost in disbelief. That is an incredibly dangerous way to perform a dragon sleeper!

{JC Keeton points toward the ropes and goes out onto the apron…}

Terri Morasco: He could be going for the frog splash, Vasco.

Terri Morasco: JC is a fast guy, and highly athletic, but we really don’t see him take to the sky for much else.

{JC is climbing to the top rope when Wraith gets a surge of energy! Wraith springs back to his feet while JC is caught up on the middle and top turnbuckle, and Wraith springs to the top rope and then kicks himself off from there and connects with an enzuigiri! The crowd lets out a huge pop for Wraith. JC Keeton slouches over after the enzuigiri…}

Terri Morasco: Wraith just hit him out of nowhere with that one! JC Keeton is in trouble afterward. A gentle breeze could knock him to the outside of the ring!

Vasco Dias: I didn’t see that one coming, but Wraith is back in the driver seat.

{Wraith gets back to his feet while JC Keeton is still caught up on the ropes and trying to shake the cobwebs out… Wraith springs to the top rope a second time, and then comes up this time to take JC Keeton off of the top rope with a hurricanrana! Wraith immediately goes over and makes the cover:}


ONE!


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…


…


TWO!


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…


…


{JC kicks out!}

Vasco Dias: I thought that was it!

Terri Morasco: It was pretty close, but JC recovered just in time.

{JC Keeton rolls over immediately and claws his way toward the ropes to give himself a refuge in case Wraith is able to become persistent with the attack. JC uses the ropes to pull himself up and backs into the corner… Wraith looks to continue the attack, but JC lunges forward and connects with a spinning kick and hits Wraith directly in the chest, and sends him down to the canvas, lying flat on his back; JC Keeton looks to capitalize on the situation by leaning over for a cover… But Wraith rolls him into an inside cradle!}


ONE!


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…


…


TWO!


{JC kicks out of it! The crowd gasps when they realize how close Wraith was to retaining the championship right there.}

Terri Morasco: Just one more second, one more second, and Wraith would have retained!

Vasco Dias: That’s what you’re focused on? You should be focusing on the fact that JC Keeton SAW a GHOST and had the courage to just kick him back down!

{Wraith and JC Keeton both return to their feet, but Wraith is still staggering from some of the damage that was done to him. JC is the quicker draw and goes for an overhand punch that hits his mark! Wraith doesn’t stumble, though, and retaliates with an overhand punch of his own; JC fires back, and Wraith fires. JC, Wraith; JC, Wraith! The crowd is getting louder from every strike that is thrown, but seems to get a little bit louder whenever Wraith lands a strike, but still a loud uproar with every strike. Blue Shoes just steps aside, and lets the fists continue to fly between the champion and challenger.}

Terri Morasco: This crowd is absolutely deafening, and these two seem to be back on their second wind!

Vasco Dias: Neither man is wanting to give any ground to the other, and– oh, wait! Wraith is starting to take over here! He reverses one of JC’s strikes, and is now raining in with several, and JC Keeton needs to watch for those kicks but this is one thing that does make Wraith particularly dangerous…those kicks! Those knees! He was trained to turn those into lethal weapons, and it looks like JC Keeton is on the receiving end and paying drastically for it.

{JC Keeton has gone into a defensive stance and is trying to brace for every strike that Wraith does throw at him, but for every part he defends or whatever limb he braces for impact with, Wraith hits a different part. JC Keeton is losing ground, and losing ground in a big way! Wraith has JC Keeton against the ropes, and JC fires for a knee strike of his own; Wraith is able to catch his leg and takes him up and back toward the center of the ring with a powerslam!

Wraith springs back to his feet, and charges toward the ropes to springboard off of the middle rope and come back for a moonsault! JC Keeton looks to reverse by drawing his knees up, and Wraith is able to correct himself and land back on his feet– JC quickly rolls over onto his stomach, and Wraith charges forward to connect with a shining wizard!}

Terri Morasco: That knee from Wraith! The shining wizard hits its mark, and JC Keeton could be done after that–

Jake Keeton: Get onto your stomach, son, buy some time!

Vasco Dias: Some smart advice from Jake, and JC seems to have listened and it’s just going to make it difficult for Wraith to make the cover. He looks like he may be trying to escape to the outside of the ring.

{Wraith is following JC Keeton and grabs him by the ankle to start pulling him toward the center of the ring; JC reaches forward and holds onto the ropes to prevent Wraith from being able to do so and Blue Shoes is calling for Wraith to release since JC is within the ropes…JC suddenly turns over, and kicks Wraith in the face which sends him stumbling backwards.}

Vasco Dias: That’s what happens when you get overzealous.

{JC Keeton uses the ropes to pull himself back to a standing position as Wraith is tangled in the far ropes; JC charges toward him, and leaps up to hit him with a flying crossbody that sends both men tumbling to the outside of the ring! Blue Shoes is inside the ring looking like he doesn’t know what to do, but then wags a finger in the air giving the indication that this match will not end via count out which earns a good response from the crowd.}

Vasco Dias: I agree with Blue Shoes’ call here. The main event of Night of the Immortals CANNOT end by count out! We need a winner here tonight!

Terri Morasco: I’m also in agreement with it, but one of these men needs to get back up.

{Now with both outside of the ring, Jake Keeton is circling around but gets an instant direction from Blue Shoes, and Blue Shoes joins them all outside of the ring to ensure that nothing illegal happens. The match may not be able to end via count out, but disqualification is still on the table.}

Blue Shoes: Keep your distance, Jake!

Vasco Dias: He can’t check on the wellbeing of his son?

Terri Morasco: This is one-on-one, Vasco, you should know that better than anyone else.

{The cameras take a quick glimpse over to Ashley Miller who is standing and leaning over the barricade.}

Ashley Miller: Come on, baby, get up!

{Wraith is clinging to the ring skirt and is using it to try and pull himself up; JC Keeton is getting up on his own but the help from the ring skirt has given Wraith the advantage and he is the first one up… Wraith fires with a spinning back kick aimed for JC Keeton’s midsection, and it connects! JC is forced back from the kick, and holds his stomach; the champion continues forward and goes for the ODE TO APHRODITE!

JC Keeton is able to get his hands up just in the nick of time to block the knee strike. The camera does a quick flash over to Atara Themis, who is sitting in the audience, as she snaps her finger together indicating how close Wraith was to hitting the move that he took and dedicates to her.}

Vasco Dias: The Ode to Aphrodite, dedicated to the beautiful goddess in the audience, Wraith’s godmother, a move that has become more and more frequent in Wraith’s arsenal, and you do have to imagine how proud she would be if he had landed the move right there.

Terri Morasco: Wraith has been getting better with hitting it, and you can bet that one of these days, maybe even tonight, it could be what seals the match!

{Wraith is continuing forward with a series of kicks that JC Keeton is able to block… The two near the commentators table.}

Vasco Dias: Watch out, Terri!

{Both Vasco Dias and Terri Morasco get up from their seats and scramble away from the commentators table. Good news is the headsets are wireless!}

Terri Morasco: This fight has gotten a little too close for comfort!

{Wraith goes for a standing clothesline, which JC is able to duck, and JC quickly catches him and picks him up and drops him over the fully built commentators table with a back body drop! Wraith reaches back immediately and holds his back… he manages to stay standing, but is clearly hurt. The table stays fully intact, and JC Keeton advances forward with a forearm strike to Wraith’s injured back.}

Terri Morasco: They’re starting to get away from the table, which thankfully didn’t break, but–

Vasco Dias: But that had to have hurt a bit more! I think Wraith may have landed on one of our monitors!

{Wraith tries to keep some distance between himself and JC Keeton, but JC is hot on his trail and is still targeting that back; Wraith finally does create some distance, and turns to face JC…JC answers by coming in with a spear into the barricade! The barricade collapses from the impact.}

Crowd: Holy shit! Holy shit! Holy shit!

{Blue Shoes is pleading for both of them to take the fight back into the ring, but JC Keeton and Wraith are both laid out at the barricade and Jake Keeton is trying again to check on his son but Blue Shoes is insisting on holding him back. Although the match cannot end via count out, Blue Shoes can still rule a knockout victory… He looks back and forth at both of them and hesitates in finally doing it, but has no choice when he finally shouts…}

Blue Shoes: ONE!

{The crowd goes on the chant with him.}

Vasco Dias: This would be a pretty piss poor way to end the match.

Terri Morasco: After what they’ve gone through?

Blue Shoes: TWO!

{The crowd calls out. JC Keeton is already reaching his hands up for the barricade, and Wraith rolls onto his side in the opposite direction.}

Blue Shoes: THREE!

{Blue Shoes and Jake Keeton are standing nearby, as Blue Shoes ensures that Jake doesn’t get too close; Ashley is still sitting in the front row and shouting words of encouragement for Sabin. Right as Blue Shoes is counting four, JC Keeton gets up to his feet and wobbles momentarily…Wraith is trying to get up to his feet, and Blue Shoes finishes the count to four, and up to five; Wraith about to get up when JC grabs him by the head to pull him up the rest of the way causing Blue Shoes to end the count.

Jake backs away and applauds for his son.

Before JC can do anything more, though, Wraith begins to connect with some elbows to JC’s midsection! Wraith breaks free from his grasp and delivers a few palm strikes to JC, and they seem to be doing damage, but JC manages to bring a knee to Wraith’s midsection before grabbing his head and slamming it against the barricade that’s still standing.}

Vasco Dias: The challenger is in full control now, and I think he has knocked enough out of him… He just needs to get him into the ring.

Terri Morasco: This crowd is starting to rally behind the champion just because I don’t think they’re ready for this to be over quite yet!

{JC starts pulling Wraith toward the ring, but Wraith manages to shove him off; Wraith connects with a swift strike that staggers JC momentarily…Wraith looks to continue the attack, but JC steps to the side and drags Wraith toward the steel post and tosses him into it! Wraith’s head bounces off the post, and he falls back to a kneeling position while JC is stalking him… JC pulls Wraith back to a standing position again, but is met with another strike from Wraith as he tries to fight his way back into the match! JC shoves him toward the barricade, and causes him to fall to a seated position and JC immediately follows in with a running big boot to his seated opponent!

Wraith is leaning against the barricade and just heaving… His eyes are glazed over; JC Keeton pulls him up, and Wraith shoves him backward and then immediately goes for a running attack but JC Keeton lifts him up in a flapjack fashion and forces him to collide head first into the steel post again! He drops him, almost like dead weight, and Wraith falls against the steel post and is holding his head as blood is starting to drip from his forehead…}

Terri Morasco: Wraith is bleeding. He’s in trouble now, Vasco! He’s bleeding pretty bad!

Vasco Dias: He just can’t seem to get an upper hand against JC Keeton.

{JC approaches from behind and reaches around; he grunts in frustration while grabbing Wraith by the head, and inadvertently tearing into the wound from Wraith causing more blood to start gushing out going unnoticed by JC, but Wraith grits his teeth and restrains from crying out; JC pulls Wraith up to his feet and toward the ring, but Wraith is able to successfully shove him off! JC turns toward Wraith, and Wraith connects with ODE TO APHRODITE! The cameras take a quick glimpse into the crowd to unveil Atara Themis a second time now cheering for her godson; James Raven beside her, both start a cheer for Wraith to bring the momentum back into his favor.}

Vasco Dias: Where did that come from?!

Terri Morasco: Are we sure he hasn’t been training with Atara lately?

{The knee causes JC Keeton to stumble back and fall to a seated position against the ring skirt; Jake is wanting to intervene, but knows his son wouldn’t want him to so is instead trying to rally the fans back in his favor but the crowd is fully behind the champion.

Wraith moves forward and pulls JC up by the arm before picking him up and rolling him under the bottom rope and far enough that he can go for what he plans next… Wraith climbs up to the apron, but doesn’t stop there; he climbs all the way to the top turnbuckle while facing away from JC Keeton…

JC grabs the bottom rope and is pulling himself to safety on the ring apron.

Wraith glances behind him several times to see that JC is no longer far enough in the ring to make this move count.}

Vasco Dias: That’s what happens when you go high! You waste too much time, and he just simply gets out of it. Too bad, so sad!

Terri Morasco: Wait– what’s he thinking, Vasco?

Vasco Dias: No… No, don’t do it! Your mama raised you better than this! Don’t do it!

{The roar from the crowd seems to be encouraging Wraith… Wraith stands tall atop the turnbuckle, and looks out at the crowd before shrugging his shoulders; he launches himself backward aiming for JC Keeton who is laid out on the ring apron for THE FALLEN ONE! JC rolls the rest of the way out of the ring at the last second, and Wraith’s back hits the ring apron pretty hard!}

Vasco Dias: Stupid move! I can’t believe he did that!

{Wraith cringes and immediately rolls off of the ring apron; while he does seem to be trying to walk it off, his back is arched in such a way to indicate how painful that miss was…}

Terri Morasco: JC Keeton just dodged a bullet, and it looks like he wants to take this chance!

Jake Keeton: Now’s your chance!

{JC Keeton shakes the cobwebs out, and gives chase; he spins Wraith around and connects with an overhand strike, and immediately a front kick; he draws Wraith into a front headlock before raising him up and angling him so he’s over the apron before dropping him with a brainbuster on the apron! Wraith is laid out, and JC Keeton pushes him the rest of the way under the ropes before following in to go for the cover…}

Vasco Dias: No doubt about it! We’re looking at our new champion, and a side of JC Keeton I think we can all get behind. The merciless. The vicious! The cruel!


ONE!


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…


…


TWO!


…


…


…


{Wraith gets his foot onto the bottom rope!}

Vasco Dias: WHAT?!

Terri Morasco: He thought that he had him far enough in to avoid that, but Wraith got his foot on the ropes!

{The crowd pops when Blue Shoes is calling for the rope break, and JC Keeton is tugging at his nonexistent hair while in disbelief. He shoves Wraith back down, and rolls him up this time so that Wraith can’t get his foot on the ropes.}

ONE!


…


…


…


TWO!


{Wraith kicks out!}

Terri Morasco: I don’t think there’s much of a point in it, but JC looks livid!

{JC shoves him back down and goes for a third cover.}

ONE!


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…


…


TWO!


{Wraith kicks out!}

Terri Morasco: JC Keeton seems furious that Wraith is still going! What do you have to do to bring him to an end?

Vasco Dias: I’m just as shocked as he is, but JC Keeton, he– he can’t let himself get distracted! He’s gotta keep doing what he’s been doing!

{JC Keeton reaches back and uses the ropes to pull himself back to his feet, and now begins to stomp against the champion… Wraith tries to cover himself to prevent too much damage from being done, but JC is relentless with every stomp, until Wraith is finally lying on his back, and JC goes to continue his assault but Wraith gets him into a guard position; JC tries to create a little bit of distance to get some good swings but finds himself unable to…JC abandons the attack and stands back up but doesn’t want to let Wraith get back to a vertical base.

JC begins to circle, but Wraith keeps his legs closer to JC. JC finally goes for a punch, which proves to be exactly what Wraith was waiting for! He catches JC’s arm and transitions into THE PHOENIX TRIANGLE earning a huge uproar from the crowd!}

Vasco Dias: No! That hold; the arm triangle that his mother has perfected and has been using to end opponents, and Wraith is showing his own dominance with it!

Terri Morasco: JC Keeton looks like he’s in a world of hurt and may have no choice but to tap out right here!

{JC Keeton is struggling as much as he can; JC plants his feet onto the ground and shows off his own strength and resilience by lifting Wraith up and slamming him down!}

Terri Morasco: JC is trying to force him to let go of the hold, but it looks like– yes, Wraith still has that hold locked in!

Vasco Dias: It’s not as tight, and JC might be able to wriggle free, but JC is lifting him a second time!

{JC pulls Wraith back up, and slams him down a second time! The crowd has a bit of a negative reaction this time around as it is clear that Wraith has lost his grip with the hold.}

Vasco Dias: That was a close call!

Terri Morasco: And JC knows it!

{Jake pounds the mat again and shouts some words of encouragement for JC. JC pulls Wraith to his feet and then backs him against the ropes; he sends him off for an Irish-whip, and on the rebound, goes for a jumping double foot stomp!

Wraith hooks both of his arms around the top rope to prevent himself from going forward and causes JC Keeton to miss; right after JC lands, Wraith lunges forward and leaps up to catch him with a front headlock, before getting the grapevine and gets JC into a guillotine choke!}

Terri Morasco: Center of the ring! Center of the ring, and it looks like JC Keeton may have to tap out!

{Wraith is wrenching with the hold, but he doesn’t have it fully applied; JC Keeton manages to avoid letting Wraith get it fully locked in but he is still trying to maneuver himself and force the hold in–}

Vasco Dias: JC Keeton is fighting it! I think– Terri, I think that Wraith made a pivotal mistake right there! He could have kept the vertical base, or at least top control, but instead dropped onto his back to go for this guillotine choke which doesn’t look like it’s going to pay off!

{JC Keeton continues to struggle in turn and is quickly gaining ground toward the ropes, whilst Wraith is still trying to get the guillotine choke in, but just then…JC gets his hand on the ropes! Blue Shoes is calling for the rope break and Wraith gives up without giving a fight.}

Vasco Dias: He was stretching for that one, and I think he should have just given it up sooner. I believe that our champion may be getting desperate to bring an end to this match!

Terri Morasco: After what he has endured, Vasco. He crashed and burned from The Fallen One, he had his head driven down on the ring apron! There’s no saying how much he has left!

{Wraith staggers to the center of the ring as the first one to his feet, and JC Keeton takes a moment to hold the ropes as a safety measure… Blue Shoes is gesturing for Wraith to wait a moment; JC Keeton finally does get back up, and Wraith shoves Blue Shoes back and begins to strike wildly against the challenger! JC Keeton puts his arms up to defend but after the heavily contested fight, he is losing his ground; Wraith snags JC’s arm and goes for a Japanese Arm Drag, but JC is able to reach back to hook his arm on the rope again to prevent himself from being taken over.

Wraith closes in and connects with a knee strike to his midsection, then takes him across the ropes with an Irish-whip…Wraith sprints toward him and goes for the ODE TO APHRODITE as he is returning!

JC Keeton is able to avoid the impact, and continues through for the ropes…Wraith turns toward him as he is coming back, and leapfrogs over! JC Keeton hits the opposite ropes again, and comes back for the third time…this time, JC beats Wraith to the punch and leaps into the air coming down with a double foot stomp sending him down against the mat!}

Vasco Dias: That’s it! That’s all she wrote!

Terri Morasco: JC just needs to make the cover, and we could be witnessing a new champion!

{JC rolls over and pulls the near leg, and tries to roll him up while Blue Shoes counts.}


ONE!


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…


…


TWO!


…


…


…


THR–


{Wraith kicks out!}

Vasco Dias: What more does JC have to do?!

Terri Morasco: I’m sure he’s questioning whatever deity is out there to please, please, please keep Wraith down for the count! But damn it, I’m starting to think that he’s more on the supernatural side than we thought!

{The crowd is in disbelief that Wraith was able to kick out, and JC Keeton is slow to get himself up whilst simultaneously pulling Wraith back to a standing position… He grabs him by the neck momentarily, merely looking him in the eyes.}

JC Keeton: Why…won’t…you…stay down?!

{JC brings a closed fist down against Wraith’s face, but still holds him up… JC Keeton nods to him.}

JC Keeton: You fought well.

{JC leaps up and catches Wraith with ODE TO THE OUTLAW! He instantly goes for the cover, rolling Wraith up as much as he can:}


ONE!


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…


…


TWO!


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…


…


THREE– NOOOOO!!!!!


{Wraith kicks out!}

Vasco Dias: What…the…?

{The camera pans over to show Vasco Dias and Terri Morasco at their commentators table which still has their objects scattered from earlier in the match. Vasco just blinks several times and seems unsure of what he’s just witnessed. Wraith has kicked out of Ode to the Outlaw.}

Terri Morasco: This kid is just… he’s just… like… I don’t know! I don’t know anymore!

{The crowd begins to come up with a new chant in homage to the first words that Wraith said on camera; when he fought against Angel.}

Crowd: You- Can’t- Kill- Him! {Clap! Clap! Clap, clap, clap!}
Crowd: You- Can’t- Kill- Him! {Clap! Clap! Clap, clap, clap!}
Crowd: You- Can’t- Kill- Him! {Clap! Clap! Clap, clap, clap!}
Crowd: You- Can’t- Kill- Him! {Clap! Clap! Clap, clap, clap!}
Crowd: You- Can’t- Kill- Him! {Clap! Clap! Clap, clap, clap!}

{The crowd continues the chant while JC Keeton is seated in the middle of the ring right beside Wraith, who looks like he just crawled out of a car wreck. He looks out at the crowd as they continue to chant, and the chant grows louder and louder until it is absolutely deafening.}

Terri Morasco: This crowd is letting him know! And remember that that’s exactly what Sabin– I’m sorry, what WRAITH told Angel during the Holiday Havoc. He told Angel: YOU CAN’T KILL ME! And these fans are now letting JC know! You can’t kill him!

Vasco Dias: I’m seriously in shock right now! Who was the last person to kick out of Ode to the Outlaw?! JC Keeton has made it a point to END a match with that, and it still couldn’t do it… What else can he do?!

{Jake is on the outside, also in utter disbelief, but is the first to come back to his own senses.}

Jake Keeton: SON! JC! SON! FOCUS! Focus! You can do this! One more! One more time!

{JC nods to his father, and takes a deep breath before getting up; he grabs a handful of Wraith’s bloodstained hair to pull him up with him…as soon as both of them are to their feet, Wraith gets his hand around JC’s neck and shoves him back into the corner! JC chokes under Wraith’s grip, but brings an elbow up and down across Wraith’s forearm to break the choke hold.

JC fires for an uppercut, but Wraith catches it and comes in with a knife edge chop! A second chop! A third! The crowd is rallying louder as Wraith continues a series of knife edge chops that earns the customary reaction.

Wraith takes a page out of his mother’s book when he takes JC by the arm, and sends him to the opposite corner and he follows in for a STINGER SPLASH! He takes JC’s arm again to send him back to the original corner, and comes in for a second STINGER SPLASH!}

Terri Morasco: I really don’t know how these two are still going, Vasco. Wraith can barely stand even just in the corner, but the crowd is urging both men on.

Vasco Dias: The main event of Night of the Immortals, Terri. That’s all this is. That’s all they want. They want to be IMMORTAL tonight!

{Wraith gets JC into a waist lock and pulls him away from the ropes slightly, when JC manages to connect with an elbow; he creates enough separation to turn toward the corner and springs off the top rope and comes back to go for a cutter!

Wraith is able to keep to his standing base and is fighting with JC, as JC tries to drop him for the cutter still; Wraith is able to get one of JC’s arms to stop him from getting the cutter in, and pulls him in with a short arm and immediately takes him onto his shoulders! The crowd is going frantic…Wraith stumbles from exhaustion, but keeps JC up before flinging him up and bringing him down with LIGHTS OUT!}

Vasco Dias: JC Keeton is laid out!

{Jake Keeton is rushing over to the nearest side of the ropes closest to JC, and is pounding the mat, but JC’s eyes are closed as Wraith falls over him and hooks one of the legs.}


ONE!


…


…


…


TWO!


…


…


…


TH–


{JC gets his shoulder up! Jake pumps his fist into the air in success, and holds his fist in the air while the crowd gives a small pop for the shoulder coming up.}

Terri Morasco: JC is still in this one!

Vasco Dias: I think he’s running on fumes!

{Wraith pulls himself to the nearest turnbuckle and remains in a seated position; he subtly shakes his head while looking at his opponent and wipes some of the blood from his head, and then reaches back to grab the two top ropes and use them to pull himself back to his feet… He calls for the finish in the family tradition: The Genocide Kick! On the outside, Jake is trying to indicate to JC to be careful as he is wobbling up to his feet…

JC’s legs look like jelly as he finally does get back up to his feet, and Wraith launches out of the corner for THE GENOCIDE KICK!}

Vasco Dias: This is– JC ducks!

{JC avoids the contact, and the moment that Wraith turns toward him: ODE TO THE OUTLAW!}

Vasco Dias: ODE TO THE OUTLAW! JC Keeton lands a second ODE TO THE OUTLAW!

{JC almost crumbles over Wraith, not even enough left in the tank to hook the leg.}


ONE!


…


…


…


TWO!


…


…


…


THREE– NOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


{The crowd is in disbelief. Jake Keeton is in disbelief. Vasco Dias, Terri Morasco are in disbelief. Blue Shoes is in disbelief! But no one is in more disbelief than JC Keeton. The challenger. The entire audience goes into a momentary silence before erupting into a loud cheer and the chant comes back to haunt JC Keeton: “You can’t kill him.”}

Vasco Dias: I just– I– I’m flabbergasted, Terri! I’m absolutely flabbergasted!

Terri Morasco: What more does JC Keeton have to do? What more does he have to do to end him?

{JC Keeton is crawling toward Blue Shoes and is finally asking him if he’s certain it wasn’t three…}

JC Keeton: That was three?

Blue Shoes: No.

JC Keeton: It was three!

Blue Shoes: No!

{Blue Shoes holds up two fingers at JC Keeton, and JC takes several deep breaths. He is slow to get to his feet this time, and then reaches down to pull Wraith up with him…he looks irate as his eyes dart back and forth seemingly looking for an idea of what he has to do to end Wraith.


{Wraith gets a sudden surge of energy and backs away from JC Keeton; he looks to launch himself forward to go for a maneuver of his own, but JC Keeton leaps back up and hits a third ODE TO THE OUTLAW! JC immediately makes the cover, but still too exhausted to hook the leg:}


ONE!


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…


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TWO!


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…


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THREE!!!!!


{The bell sounds and JC Keeton is laid out in the center of the ring still while (music here) begins to play over the PA! Jake Keeton takes the title for his son and rushes into the ring as JC is being assisted to his feet by Blue Shoes… Wraith slowly rolls out of the ring, and just goes over to Ashley Miller who is consoling him. Jake Keeton and Blue Shoes hold JC Keeton up and hold his arms up as the announcement makes it official.}

Alison Valance: Your winner! By way of pinfall! AND NEW! IWF WORLD CHAMPION! J! C! KEE-TON!

Vasco Dias: He did it! After so long, he finally did it!

Terri Morasco: He won the title his father never could!

{JC Keeton holds the title high as the show comes to a close.}