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SEGMENT
Up In Flames
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{ āBack From The Dead" by Halestorm begins to play; the opening line of the song screams out throughout the PA, and the crowd is already going crazy for the arrival of Tara Fenix! Tara doesnāt make the people wait too long as she emerges from behind the curtains with the flag over her shoulderā she is wearing the patented The Fenix Sisters beanie. She scours the audience that is already bowing down to the legend of the industry, and their response to her brings that cocky Docherty smirk to her lips. The simple gesture causes them to get a little bit louder, and she twirls the flag for a moment before planting it on a stand set up on the top of the stage. She marches down to the ring with no delay, takes a microphone from one of the crew members, and then goes right up the steel steps and steps inside of the ring. She waits for several seconds inside of the ring for the audienceās cheers to die down as the legend stands inside of the ring. }
Rayne: I canāt argue with the spectacle that she and Serena Riot put on last week, and this crowd is still talking about it.
Iyo Kenshin: The whole industry is still talking about it! It is one that is definitely going to go down for ages as one of the greatest matches of all time!
{ Tara raises the microphone, only for the crowd to get louder, but Tara persists to talk over them. }
Tara Fenix: Yāknow, I have been doing this for a long, long, looooong time, but the list continues to grow with people who seem to think that they can holdā¦ a candleā¦ to me. There are people who think that, for as long as I have been doing this, they are going to be able to stand toe-to-toe with me, inside of my ring, and put me in my place. Better yet, they believe that they are going to TAKE! MY! PLACE!
{ Tara scoffs. She paces slowly inside of the ring, and shakes her head. }
Tara Fenix: Itās justā¦ sillyā¦ to me. Itās silly to me how many people have tried to tear me down. Itās silly to me how many people have tried to tear Angel down. Itās silly to me how many people think that they can hold a candle to the flame that belongs to our family! Rowan; she was a titan that ruled the IWF in my absence! Granted, I will confessā¦ I do not hold a victory over her, but sheās continued to run for the hills and get out of here, while me? Where am I? STILL STANDING! Eternity; she was dead in the water the moment I defeated her and Jessica Reed. IāM! STILL! STANDING! How about Shelly Diamond?
{ The crowd pops at the mentioning of the longest reigning IWF Womenās World Champion in the history of the company, a well-deserved pop for her absence. }
Tara Fenix: A candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long, and that was the very definition of her career, ācause I believe the odds of her stepping back into this ringā¦ are slimā¦ I! STILL! STAND!
{ There is a mixed reaction from the audience. }
Tara Fenix: But itās not just here. My legacyā my starpowerā expands well beyond the Imperial Wrestling Federation. I am that legend that everybody wants to share the ring with! I am that legend that everybody aspires to be! I am that legend that has INSPIRED an entire generation; the legend that WILL inspire the generation to come! Twenty-three years, ladies and gentlemen. Twenty-three years, I have been coming into the ring and doing what I do best! Twenty-three years, I have created memories! Twenty-three years! Make no mistake when I say that after TWENTY-THREE YEARS; NOTHING HAS CHANGED! I am still the best to step foot in this ringā¦ I am STILL the person to beat. It doesnāt matter who is carrying the titleā¦
{ Tara turns her attention to the nearby camera. }
Tara Fenix: Thatās my sister, by the way.
{ She turns her attention back to the audience. }
Tara Fenix: I am STILL the person to beat! I am STILL the person to challenge! Shelly Diamondā as great as her run was, she could not command the respect that I have earned. She could not command these people to come from across the globe just to be in the ring with her! I have been around the world, I have conquered the world, and now; I am still here. I am still home!
{ She walks again to the nearby camera, leaning in close. }
Tara Fenix: And they come to pay their respect TO ME.
{ She allows those words to sink in, and has that cocky smirk on her face. }
Tara Fenix: The greatest of all time. The GOAT. There are so many people in this industry that always try to claim themselves to be that, and they need certain things just to get a fraction of the attention that I have receivedā¦ I have been in the ring with James Raven, arguably one of the best! I BEAT HIM! I have been in the ring with Atara Raven, and when I tell you that Atara has a strong alluring effect on herā¦ I mean it. I BEAT HER! Serena Riotā Serena Riot has gone out to tell the worldā¦ just whoā¦ inspired herā¦
{ Tara taps her thumb against her chest. }
Tara Fenix: But sheās not the first person that I have inspired, and you know? Sheās not going to be the last! But after her careerā¦ sheās already ready to hang up the boots! Sheās already calling it quits! Calling it a day! And she was another person who enjoyed calling herself The GOAT. Do you know what that makes me? When I walk down to this ringā when I show you all what I can do, when I bring these people from around the globe just to be in the ring with meā¦ When I take them to their limits. When I give you fans a show that you will never forget, because I pour it all INSIDE OF THIS RING! I leave it all INSIDE OF THIS RING! I give my blood, my sweat, my tears, my flesh, myā EVERYTHING! Inside of this ringā¦ and as many times as people have tried to end me, Iām the one that endures! Iām the one thatās still coming back! Iām the one thatās still breaking records, and taking on more titles! Iām the one thatās doing all of thatā¦ I am something more than just The GOAT. I am The Undisputed GOAT!
{ She flashes a quick smile, but her gaze falters from the camera as she parades around the ring again. }
Tara Fenix: I have done all there is to do in this industry, and NOTHING! Is slowing me down. NOTHING! Is stopping me. NOTHING! Iāve seen people come and go, Iāve seen the people claiming to be time itself and know the beginning, the end, and all of the in-between, but while they claim to be FOREVER; I AM FOREVER! While everybody else burns out and fades away, I REIGNITE THE FLAME! Yāseeā¦ Thatās why I am The Great Phoenix. That is why I am The Phoenix Queen. That is why I am the Queen of Queens, Queen of Kings, THE GODDESS; I am EVERYTHING that I say I am! Because I will not quitā¦ And even this next surge of people that are ready to take this industry and carry it into the future? Iām still here, and Iām still leadingā
{ Just as Tara finishes the sentence, her voice trails slightly as Brandy āThe Black Widowā emerges from behind the curtains with a microphone of her own, and her voice transcending over Taraās voice. }
The Black Widow: That's a lot of praise you just shoveled on yourself.
{ Brandy walks over to the edge of the stage. She tucks her unlit cigarette underneath her top lip and takes a seat, her legs dangling over the edge. The Widow takes the cigarette from her mouth. }
The Black Widow: Tell me something, little bird. If you're all of those things you just said, then what does that make me? I beat you in that ring. I left you laying in a pool of your own royal blood in front of all of these people that love you so much. I made sure there was just enough left of you to rise up one more time though because I wanted you to endure that humiliation. I thought maybe that might be enough to draw that monster out of you.
{ The Black Widow shakes her head in disappointment. }
The Black Widow: I wanted it, Tara. I gave you your moment against Serena Riot just to see if I had drawn it out of you, but instead I saw thisā¦ this arrogant shell of what you once were. Tamed Tara. Domesticated Tara. That's when I knew I had to end this then and there, for you. The only reason you're standing there right now, still "leading" sheep is Emmanuel. Which you should thank her for, because eventually I'm going to carve pretty princess' face up just like I did yours, Tara, so she feels included. I'm just not quite finished with you yet.
{ Brandy taps her cigarette on her pant leg. }
The Black Widow: But I'm not doing this to take your place, little bird. I don't want it. This thing you've become, it sickens me. I'm doing this to erase everything that you are.
Tara Fenix: Erase everything I am?
{ Tara asks with a questioning expression. She takes a step back in the ring, and gestures out to the crowd that is still cheering and even bowing to her despite the words. }
Tara Fenix: Honey, you wouldnāt be able to stand where you are now if it wasnāt for me. I have been here long before you, and Iām going to be here looooong after you!
{ The crowd gives a mild cheer in support of Tara, but Tara perseveres with her own speech. }
Tara Fenix: As far as you go about having me lying in a puddle of my own blood, I have to sayā¦ You did do that. You did pull out all the stops just for your little moment in the sun! Butā¦ you know what I see? Iām still the one coming out to the show. Iām still the legend in this business. Iām still one of the top contenders to go after the IWF Womenās World Championship, but you, Brandy; you are going to always be able to fall back on that one time you defeated the great Tara Fenix in a first blood match. So now, if you want to skip to the back and let Mother finish speakingā¦
{ Tara shoos Brandy away, and starts to pivot to face another direction before Brandy raises her microphone to interrupt. }
The Black Widow: You're not my mother.
{ Brandy's voice carries much more venom in it than it did before. }
The Black Widow: My mother stood in one of those rings long before you ever did. She paved the way for you.
{ Brandy gets up off the edge of the stage as Tara turns around. The Widow walks towards the flag with the microphone in hand. }
The Black Widow: This flag that you're so proud ofā¦ everything your family has done in this business is, in part, thanks to my family, you sanctimonious bitch. I involuntarily gave my childhood so you could have that pedestal to stand on, and I don't want you to think for a single second that I don't hate you for that.
{ Pinching the corner of the flag between her fingers, Brandy takes a moment to feel the fabric against her skin. }
The Black Widow: I've said it before though: this sport doesn't give anyone anything. Everything is a trade, and every trade has a price to be paid later.
{ She looks at Tara. }
The Black Widow: You've stood on that pedestal for a long time. Two decades plus. It's impressive. You don't get to play Susie Homemaker as you go for a third, though. That's not the deal. You either become the monster and leave everything else behind to continue your rule, or you step aside. That's the deal my mother made, and that's the deal I'm going to make damn sure you have to make. Your daughter will not have the happy childhood I didn't unless you choose her!
{ Brandy drops the microphone and puts her unlit cigarette back in her mouth in order to snatch the flag out of its stand; breaking the pole over her knee, then tossing it onto stage in front of her. The Widow reaches around behind her, pulling a small bottle of lighter fluid out of her waistband. She starts dousing the flag. }
Iyo Kenshin: What is this lunatic doing?!
Rayne: She's making a statement, Iyo! She's probably also about to get us cited for a code violation.
{ The Black Widow discards the half-empty bottle of lighter fluid. She takes a lighter out of her pocket and lights her cigarette. Off microphone, Brandy tells Tara: "Give me the monster or go be a mother, you choose." Brandy takes a drag off the cigarette and then throws it down on the flag, lighting the fabric on fire. }
Iyo Kenshin: The Black Widow has lit Tara Fenix's flag ablaze! The audacity of this woman knows no bounds!
Rayne: You don't think a large part of this isn't Tara's own fault, Iyo? Who just stood in that ring a few moments ago and called herself the undisputed G.O.A.T.? When you make yourself a target, don't be shocked when other people take shots.
Iyo Kenshin: So she can't be proud of her accomplishments, Rayne? The Black Widow has an obsession with Tara. She beat her at High Stakes, and she could've left it there. She isn't satisfied with that, however. She wants to drag something vile out of the depths of Tara for whatever reason.
{ Tara drops down out of the ring and walks up the ramp. A few members chant her name and bow, but many stand in stunned silence. Tara reaches the top of the stage and stares into the fire. }
Iyo Kenshin: Tara almost seems as if she's in some type of trance.
Rayne: The Black Widow has hit her where it hurts the most for Tara, and that's right in her massive sized ego.
{ Tara takes a few steps and bends down to retrieve the half-empty bottle of lighter fluid that Brandy has left behind. She carefully closes the top, then disappears behind the curtain. }
Iyo Kenshin: That was a very unusual reaction. I fear where this may be going.
{ The show cuts to it's first break of the evening. }
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SINGLES MATCH
"The Comedian" Allen Chaney vs John Blade
------------------------------------
{ The cameras scour the audience before either man begins their entrance to show some of the celebrities in the crowdā¦ And sitting in the crowd, amongst the fans, is IWFs own Womenās World Champion, Jennie Fenix! A few of her known friends are sitting around her as she waves frantically at the camera. }
Iyo Kenshin: Jennie seems to be here tonight as a fan because Allen Chaney is going to be making his debut here tonight! And let me just tell you how excited I am to see him. He is world renown, multi-time World Champion, but he did have some things to say in regards to his opponent here tonight, John Blade.
Rayne: This is the IWF, Iyo! We donāt care who you are, where you came from, or anything that youāve done outside of this company! The only thing that matters is what you do inside of it!
Iyo Kenshin: Thatās actually well said.
{ The Richard Pryor quote followed by the piano intro of āShimmy Shimmy Yaā plays and Allen emerges from the curtain. }
āOoh, baby, I like it raw x4ā
{ Allen stops and looks around the crowd with a smirk until there is a change in attitude. He leans down to slam his fists on the ramp before popping up to release what can only be described as a roar. }
'Shimmy shimmy ya, shimmy yam, shimmy yay
Gimme the mic so I can take it away
Off on a natural charge, bon voyage
Yeah, from the home of the Dodgers, Brooklyn squadā
{ Allen walks down the ramp, stopping every few steps to talk to fans about how his opponent has no clue what they're in for or how they smell like baked milk or how he saw them changing backstage and one of their testicles is comically bigger than the other. }
āWu-Tang Killer Bees on a swarm
Rain on ya college ass, disco dorm
For you to even touch my skill
You gotta have the one killer Bee and he ain't gonna kill now
Chop that down, pass it all around
Lyrics get hard, quick cement to the ground
For any MC in any 52 states
I get psycho killer, Norman Bates'
{ Allen marches up the ring steps and enters the ring, giving the referee a friendly pat on the back before going to his corner and sitting down focused but also kind of vibing to his own music. }
Iyo Kenshin: And here is the funny man himself! The Comedian, Allen Chaney!
Rayne: Wouldnāt it be funny if he just messed up on his grand debut? Likeā¦ losing? Wouldnāt that be funny?
{ "The Time" is now ft Trademarc is playing as John Blade is running the ropes. He tosses his hat into the crowd before turning to await the start of the match. }
Rayne: The man of the hour! John Blade!
Iyo Kenshin: These fans do seem to love him, but I imagine that Allen is not a fan after some of the choice words that he had to say this week.
{ The bell sounds, and Allen charges John Blade to hit him with a running dropkick! Blade tumbles back against the ropes, and Allen is quick to get to his feet, only to charge Blade and take him up and over the ropes with a cactus clothesline! }
Iyo Kenshin: That spilled to the outside pretty fast!
{ Allen is the first to his feet on the outside of the ring, and pulls Blade back to a standing position; he charges him back against the steel post as Blade cringes from the attack and tries to throw a forearm, only for Allen to counter and then smash Bladeās head against the ring apron! He sends him right back into the ring, and covers him but Blade kicks out at two. Allen lifts Blade back to his feetā¦but Blade counters with a scoop slam! Blade charges the ropes and comes back for the Five Knuckle Shuffle!
ALLEN ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY!
Allen is able to beat John Blade to his feet by half a second, and fires a superkick that hits the mark! John Blade tumbles back, saving himself on the ropes, and rebounds to hit Allen with a running leaping shoulder block! John Blade makes the cover, but Allen Chaney kicks out at the count of two. }
Rayne: It looks like John Blade is starting to get some life into him, and heās firing back against Allen!
{ Allen and John get to their feet and immediately start firing back and forth with one another. Back and forth! Each shot coming from the other becomes harder, but John Blade connects with a well-timed knee that causes Allen to keel over. John Blade holds him there for a moment, before jumping up and looking for a hurricanrana! ALLEN COUNTERS INTO A POWERBOMB!
John rolls onto his stomach while holding his back. Allen steps forward, and pulls John back up, and starts firing with a series of bionic elbows, the SMOOTH ELBOWS! John Blade is wobbly, but somehow continues to stand from the barrage of bionic elbows; John Blade, with a sudden surge, ducks behind Allen and spins him around to bring him onto his shoulders! Heās looking for a death valley driver! Allen fires with more elbows and fights his way off of John Bladeās shoulders and delivers a stiff kick to his midsection! Allen raises John Blade up for THE SET-UP!
John Blade bounces off of the mat, and is trying with all of his strength to get back to a vertical base; Allen circles behind John Blade, looking for his opening, and capitalizes with THE PUNCHLINE! Allen immediately makes the cover, and earns the three count! }
Alison Valance: Your winner! BY WAY OF PINFALL! āTHE COMEDIANā! ALLEN! CHAAAAANNNNNEEEEEY!!!!!
{ There is a loud shriek heard for a brief second while āShimmy Shimmy Yaā plays over the PA. }
Rayne: What the hell was that?
Iyo Kenshin: A successful debut to the IWF!
{ The scene fades to commercial with Allen Chaney holding his arms up inside of the ring. }
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SINGLES MATCH
Mai Everstone vs Emmanuelle
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{ The words rip through the stadium as "The Bird and The Worm" hits as the lights dim to a dark purple. A grey like smoke rising on the ramp way as the form of Mai comes up onto the stage with videos of Crows playing on the screen behind her. She waves with a large smile. She skips happily down the ramp, stops to wave at the fans and takes a selfie with some doing a silly face before making it down to the ring. The lights begin to flicker red in the purple as she stops at the steps.
As it looks like sheās about to climb the steps she jumps onto the top rope with ease. Maiās hands extend out to the crowd as she grins wide. She puts her hands down on the top rope as she looks around the ring and she begins to lift herself up onto the rope before flipping back onto her feet where she howls out at the crowd. Pyro explodes from every corner in a brilliant green light as the lights turn back to normal. }
Rayne: This should be a pretty good one.
Iyo Kenshin: Youāll not hear me disagree with you. Mai was a favorite to win the Ironmaiden last month, and when she comes out here, focused, she shows just how dangerous she can be! However, sheās got her work cut out for her in Emmanuelle, Emmy, who has started strong in the IWF with a record of 2-0! Mai is looking to put the first blemish on that record!
{ Emmanuelle stands at the curtain as āSay Goā by D Smoke begins to play. She walks out, taking time to soak in the reaction of the crowd before making her way down to the ring. }
Iyo Kenshin: And here is Emmanuelle! You have to imagine that she could have a target on her back from Stephen Terrella and The Black Widow, or any of their friends, after she intervened to save Tara and Serena Riot after their epic match last week!
{ DING! Emmy and Mai circle the ring to start the match, a subtle respect between the two. They lock up in the center of the ring, an exchange that sees the larger Emmy take control with a side headlock; Mai is able to shove her forwardā Emmy returns and goes for a running big boot, but Mai moves to the side and rolls Emmy into a schoolyard roll-up, but Emmy rolls through and catches Mai with a crucifix roll-up! Mai rolls backward out of it and goes for a stiff running kick but Emmy movesā¦Mai still has the momentum on her side as she springs to the rope, and comes back to catch Emmy with a hurricanrana!
Mai reaches back to roll Emmy into a cover, and gets the count of two before Emmy shifts the weight and rolls Mai upā¦she also gets a count of two, and Mai shifts it back to get another count of two when Emmy rolls it back, another two-count, and Mai now rolls backward and all the way out of itā Mai fires for a basement dropkick, and hits her mark! Emmy rolls over onto her stomach and goes near the ropes and pulls herself up.
Emmanuelle looks to be hurt, clutching her jaw, when Mai gets up and looks to keep the offense on her sideā¦a CROSS COUNTER! Emmy decks Mai with a vicious right cross, and now Emmy is charging forward with the attack, showing off her own striking capabilities with well-placed kicks and palm strikesā¦ Mai backs near the corner, and Emmy charges forward with a shotgun dropkick! Emmy goes for the cover, but Mai still kicks out at two. }
Iyo Kenshin: There has been some good back and forth action between these two, but Emmanuelle is starting to heat up!
{ Mai fires for a quick clothesline, but Emmy ducks and counters with a dragon suplex! The bridge is held, and Emmy gets another two-count, but Mai is still fighting in this oneā¦Mai is the first one to her feet this time around, and while still dazed from the dragon suplex, she still manages to deliver the first kick! Mai pulls Emmy into a side headlock, and then charges for the ropes to go for a springboard bulldog!
Emmy shoves Mai off as theyāre spinning around! Mai lands right on her tailbone, and looks to be in a bit of pain as she finds her way back to her feetā¦MALIBU SHINE! The tornado DDT lands, and Emmy makes the cover. TWO! POINT! NINE! Mai kicks out! }
Rayne: You canāt question the toughness of Mai! I thought for sure that that was over when Emmanuelle hit the Malibu Shine!
Iyo Kenshin: This crowd canāt believe what theyāve witnessed either!
{ Emmy is a little frustrated by Mai kicking out, but gets back up; she pulls Mai with her and raises her into a vertical suplex! Emmy holds her in position for several seconds, showboating, but at the same time, the blood is all rushing to Maiās headā¦ Mai is kicking her feet to try to get some momentum her own way, but Emmy is proving her strength. Until Mai finally does manage to shift the weight enough to let gravity take over! Mai continues with the momentum, and rolls Emmy into an inside cradle! TWO AND A HALF! }
Iyo Kenshin: Mai came so close to stealing that one with the inside cradle! Even Emmy canāt believe that counter!
{ Mai is the first to her feet and she snatches Emmyās arm, sending her into the corner; Mai follows her in, and Emmy is able to push herself up and over to land behind Mai! Mai crashes into the corner, turning around, only for Emmy to come in with PLATINUM DYNAMIC! Emmy pulls Mai from the corner and raises her up and crashes her down with QUEEN BEE DROP! Emmanuelle makes the cover and earns the three count! }
Iyo Kenshin: Thereās no doubt that Mai has a fighting spirit, but Emmanuelle extends her winning streak to 3-0 with this victory this week!
Rayne: It has been an impressive start, and this was probably her biggest win in the IWF thus far. Thereās really not much I can take away from Mai. Just tonight was not her night.
Alison Valance: Your winner! By way of pinfall! āTHE PLATINUM STANDARDā EEEEE-MMAAAANNNNN-UELLEEEEE!!!!!
{ Emmanuelle celebrates in the middle of the ring as the scene fades to a commercial. }
------------------------------------
SINGLES MATCH
Nick Danger vs Charlotte's Own "Nature Boi" Rich Flare
------------------------------------
Alison Valance: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, already standing in the ringā¦ from Charlotte, North Carolina!... "Nature Boi" Rich Flare!
{ Flare raises an arm for the hometown crowd. He gets a small pop from his family and friends in attendance. }
Iyo Kenshin: Rayne, we're getting our first look at a local product here tonight: Charlotte's Own, "Nature Boi" Rich Flare!
Rayne: The "Nature Boi"?
Iyo Kenshin: Not a fan, Rayne.
Rayne: No. No one is ever going to get over by calling themselves the "Nature Boi", Iyo. You can mark that down in pen.
Iyo Kenshin: One day, many years down the road, he may just go on to become the greatest wrestler ever, you never know.
{ The camera cuts back to Alison. }
Alison Valance: And his opponentā¦
{ "Out Of The Black" by Royal Blood comes on the speaker and red smoke follows on the entrance ramp . Nick Danger walks out onto the entrance ramp wearing his wrestling attire, a determined look on his face as he makes his way down the entrance. He takes off his leather jacket to toss it to a fan, giving others high fives on the way to the ring. }
Alison Valance: Hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania! He is the "Rising Ace"... Nick Danger!
{ Nick climbs the steel steps, then climbs the top turnbuckle and sees his fans saying "Rising Ace" he jumps inside the ring and gets ready for the match to start. }
Rayne: Speaking of people not going anywhere in life, look who it is.
Iyo Kenshin: Nick was mere seconds away from becoming Television Champion not that long ago, Rayne.
Rayne: My cousin has a sister, and her boyfriend has a friend that cuts Kevin Bacon's hair. That doesn't make me friends with Kevin Bacon. Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.
{ The referee for this contest, Jessica Andrews, calls for the opening bell. }
Ding!
{ Flare and Danger meet in the center of the ring. Rich holds a single finger in front of Danger's face, telling him to hold on, and then fixes his long, flowing red locks. The dirtiest player in the 980 catches Nick with the ol' two-fingered eye poke, then proceeds to stomp on Danger's toes. Rich turns around to pat himself on the back. }
Rayne: He hit him high! He hit him low! Now Danger can't put weight on his toes!
Iyo Kenshin: Jessica is admonishing Rich for going to the eyes. She's not going to allow those types of shenanigans.
{ Flare and the official exchange a few words. Danger rubs his eyes out. When Rich turns around, Nick hits him flush on the chin with a superkick! Spit flies three feet in the air out of Rich's mouth before he falls flat on his face. The Rising Ace stands to Rich's side, picking him up and locking him into a full nelson as he scoops his opponent off the canvas. Danger takes Flare backwards with a Full Nelson Suplex! Rich pops up off the canvas from the impact of the move, on dream street. A running single leg high knee from Danger follows, knocking Flare to the canvas again. With Flare perfectly positioned near the corner, Nick proceeds to move to the apron, then goes to the top turnbuckle. Pointing down at Flare with both fingers, drawing a huge pop from the crowd, Danger leaps off the top ropes with a Diving Double Foot Stomp right into Flare's abdomen! Nick rolls off the move, then flings his arms upward to fire up the crowd. Danger takes a position in the corner, waiting on Flare to get up. When Flare finally starts to make it to his feet, Danger levels him with his patented "Ace Trigger"! }
Iyo Kenshin: Flare may need to get checked out at one of Charlotte's own dental practitioners after that knee strike from Danger!
Rayne: Where are we on time? I want to see the time limit expire right about now just to watch the look on Nick Danger's face.
Iyo Kenshin: Plenty of time left on the clock, Rayne. How much longer Rich Flare can last in this match up may be an entirely different story, though.
{ Danger closes in on Flare. He brings Rich up off the canvas. Nick takes a brief moment setting up for his One handed electric chair driver, and then puts Rich Flare down with the "Final Order"! Danger has a cover. Referee Jessica Andrews slides into positionā¦ }
One!
Two!!
Three!!!
{ Jessica calls for the bell! }
Ding!
Ding!
Ding!
{ The audience erupts as Danger gets to his feet. The official raises Nick's arm in victory. As Rich Flare rolls out of the ring to be helped to the back, Nick asks for a microphone. With a determined look on his face, he speaks. }
Nick Danger: CALEB CANNIN!!!
Nick Danger: Caleb, Iām not going to beat around the bush anymore. I want the IWF World Television Championship from you. Everyone knows damn well I should be holding that title and not you. All you care about is having parties and being a scared little bitch that canāt take a hit and keeps on running away. But sorry friend, your time as champion is coming to an end.
{ Nick pause a for a moment while the fans chant. }
Nick Danger: Because next time we fight we will have all the time in the world and when you lose by my hands. Your dumbass can't come up with an excuse for why you lost to me. So you can keep on hiding from me, Caleb because you come out of hiding that will be mine. So here is the deal: let's meet next week face-to-face if you have the balls.
{ Nick drops the mic and fans cheer with Nick's theme song playing. }
Winner: Nick Danger via pinfall.
------------------------------------
SEGMENT
Revenge Is A Dish Best Servedā¦ Hot?
------------------------------------
{ The crowd ambience is heard from the arena when the scene opens to the backstage area, in the restroom; Brandy āThe Black Widowā Cvetkova stands in front of the mirror with the water running while washing her hands. She leans down and splashes some water on her faceā¦ Just as she does, sheās blindsided! Tara slams Brandyās head against the faucet, and she looks like sheās seeing stars. Brandy topples backward and falls on her back, then rolls over to try to shake the cobwebs. }
Rayne: What kind of coward attacks someone in the restroom?!
Iyo Kenshin: Things have already gotten a little out of hand, and I do hope security is on their way!
Tara Fenix: What exactly did you want out of me?
{ Tara asks through gritted teeth, and then she rips Brandy back to her feet before throwing her head first into the mirror! The mirror shatters from the impact, and Brandy covers up to ensure the glass doesnāt cut herā Tara towers over her for a moment before pulling an object upā¦ }
Iyo Kenshin: Is thatā¦?
Tara Fenix: You wanted the monster? You wanted me to show you what I can do?
{ Tara snickers, and moves her hand slightly to unveil the product in her hand: lighter fluid. Tara steps on Brandyās wrist to pin her arm down, and douses her arm with the lighter fluid! Brandy tries in desperation to withdraw her arm to no avail, so instead is moving as far away from the splatter as she can to ensure the lighter fluid doesnāt get anywhere else. Tara finally stops, and moves away as Brandy tries to cover her armā but Tara flicks a match, and drops it before Brandy has a chance to move away. }
Iyo Kenshin: WHAT?! Tara just lit Brandy on fire!
{ Tara backs away from the scene and shrugs her shoulders; meanwhile, Brandy squirms for a moment in a futile attempt to put the fire out, and then rushes into a stall to dunk her arm in the toilet! Security is now flooding into the bathroom as Tara is walking past them with the damage done, and the message sent. The medical staff try to tend to Brandy as she clutches her damp arm and snarls while looking the direction to which Tara left. The scene fades back to the ringside area. }
Iyo Kenshin: Someone has got to stop these two from killing each other!
Rayne: And setting this place on fire, but let me dial this back: WHAT A COWARD! I used to give Tara some creditā
Iyo Kenshin: You never gave Tara credit.
Rayne: I used to give Tara some credit in the sense that she was a standup fighter! But now here she is blindsiding people! Itās despicable, Iyo.
------------------------------------
INVICTUS CHAMPIONSHIP ELIMINATOR MATCH
(If Elijah wins he'll receive an Invictus title match on next Odyssey)
Stephen Terrella vs Elijah Lassiter
------------------------------------
Alison Valance: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! It will be an Eliminator match! If Elijah Lassiter wins he will receive a future Invictus Championship opportunity!
{ The Beat of āCrazy In The Parkā starts to ring around the arena a spot light focusing on the entryway as Elijah stalks out to drop to one knee and touch the floor with one hand and bouncing up to this feet as the song kicks in proper walking around the ring a hand touching the canvas before he hops up, wipes his feet and vaults the top rope to land in the middle in a couch standing up to kiss his wrist and salute the crowd. }
Iyo Kenshin: Young Elijah Lassiter has a tremendous opportunity to thrust himself into the Invictus Championship picture if he can secure a victory over the champion. It will not be easy, Rayne, but from everything we've seen from Elijah, he is unquestionably up for the task.
Rayne: Is he, though? Look, I think Elijah is a good hand. He's an accomplished technical wrestler, and he's athletic; but he's a nice guy, and we all know where nice guys finishā last.
Iyo Kenshin: I beg to differ.
Rayne: You aren't half as nice as you believe you are. Pathetic is a better adjective to describe you.
{ The camera cuts back to Alison. }
Alison Valance: And his opponentā¦
{ The camera takes a long shot of the entryway as and the arena darkens. Smoke begins to rise from the ground atop the stage, cast in a purple hue from the lighting directly overhead as 'Disorder' begins to blare across the speakers. Terrella makes his entrance holding hands with Portia. They take a few steps before stopping to stand side-by-side on the stage, releasing hands. She places her left hand on his right shoulder and runs her right hand down his chest and abdomen as he lowers his glasses down the bridge of his nose before turning for a kiss. }
Alison Valance: About to make his way down the aisle, being accompanied by Portia... standing 6'2"... and weighing in at 309 pounds... from Cold Springs, Nevada... He is the Invictus Championā¦ The King Of Clubs... Stephen Terrrrellllllaaaa!
{ Terrella re-positions his sunglasses and begins a slow walk toward the ring, arm-in-arm with Portia, to a chorus of boos. They reach the bottom of the stairs where they release arms. Terrella removes his sunglasses and vest and hands them to Portia. He surveys the arena for a few seconds with a menacing scowl before making a slow march up the stairs. Terrella walks the apron to the center of it, stopping with his left hand resting on the top rope to stare down the crowd as Portia applauds for her man from the floor. Finally he ducks under the top rope to enter the ring, rolling his shoulders once inside to ready himself to fight. }
Iyo Kenshin: Stephen Terrella, perhaps to no one's surprise, dismissed Elijah's request that he leave Portia at home and do this on his own.
Rayne: To no one's surprise, you're single, Iyo. A man doesn't just ditch his fianceĆØ because someone else says it's a good idea. Portia and Stephen are a team, working toward one goal. Why should either of them care what Elijah Lassiter says?
Iyo Kenshin: Cheating qualifies as a goal now?
Rayne: Cheating?! Stop making baseless accusations, Iyo. That's called slander, you know.
{ The referee for this contest, Tommy Knocker, calls for the opening bell. }
Ding!
{ Terrella gives the top rope a firm tug, then comes out of the corner with his fists up, looking to throw hands. Lassiter looks to keep some distance between himself and his larger adversary, but Terrella pushes forward like a bulldozer. With open real estate shrinking, Elijah rolls to evade the oncoming King. Elijah pops up, landing a chop across Terrella's broad chest that has little effect. Lassiter keeps distance, however, by dashing towards the ropes and launching himself into Terrella with a flying clothesline. That blow knocks Terrella backwards off his feet. Keeping the pressure on, Lassiter follows the clothesline up with a bulldog that plants Terrella's face on the canvas. Eli stays on Stephen with a flurry of mounted palm strikes. Once again though the chest of Terrella seems to be the hardest part of Terrella to chip away at, so Elijah pulls off the mount and drops a big elbow on it with his weight behind it to drive the air out of the Invictus Champion! Lassiter goes into a cover, hooking the leg. The official takes his time getting into position before offering up a countā¦ }
ā¦
One!
ā¦
No!!
{ Stephen powers out of the slow count with authority. }
Iyo Kenshin: That count looked blatantly slow, Rayne.
Rayne: How many years did you spend in officiating school?
Iyo Kenshin: I haven't been, butā
Rayne: You feel qualified to tell Tommy how to do his job? Would you love it if he came up here and critiqued your commentary work? If not, shut up about it!
{ Terrella ducks outside to catch a breather. Elijah questions the official about the count, but doesn't get overly combative. Eli refocuses his attention on Terrella, running the ropes and attempting a suicide dive to the outsideā¦ but the champion catches him out of the air! Stephen muscles Eli up onto his shoulders, only to flip him off the side and drop the small of Eli's back over top of the steel guard rail! }
Iyo Kenshin: The frightening power of Stephen Terrella on full display with that maneuver!
Rayne: The EL337 just got grounded!
{ Stephen reaches over the guardrail, dragging Elijah up by his hair. Terrella bends Lassiter backward over the rail and just starts hammering him across the chest with some clubbing style blows. The King rips Lassiter the rest of the way out of the crowd and dumps him on the floor at ringside. Stephen reaches down, snatching Eli up and rams him spine-first into the edge of the ring apron. Terrella pushes Eli forward by the back of his head, landing him face-first on the floor. Portia applauds for her man, more than pleased to see the damage he has inflicted upon Elijah. She shares a quick kiss with Terrella, and then the big man rolls back inside the ring. Stephen intentionally ties up the official's attention, which Tommy Knocker easily buys into. Portia seizes the opportunity to get a lick in on Elijah, stepping on the small of his back with her high heel as she takes the long way back around the ring to Stephen's corner. Terrella backs away from the official, yelling for him to count Elijah out. }
One!
Two!
Three!
Four!!
Five!!
{ Lassiter begins to stir, working to pull himself up off the floor. }
Six!!
Seven!!!
Eight!!!
{ Lassiter makes his way back inside to beat a rather quick count! }
Iyo Kenshin: Elijah Lassiter makes it back inside in the knick of time!
Rayne: He just made it. He took a lot of punishment on the outside of the ring. It's only a matter of time now.
{ Terrella stalks Lassiter, angered by the fact that Eli made it back inside before the ten count. The King fish hooks Eli in his nose, bringing Lassiter to his feet. Stephen shoves Eli into the ropes and buries a forearm into the small of Lassiter's back. As much for spite as anything, Terrella rakes Eli's face across the top rope, leading him all the way to the corner. Terrella hammers down on Elijah with a series of knees to the abdomen in the corner. Stephen dishes out a thunderous left hand to Elijah's kisser, and Lassiter falls to the canvas. }
Rayne: This is that moment Terrella was talking about this week. Lassiter is down, you know he's struggling to breathe, and he just may be checking to see if he has all his teeth.
Iyo Kenshin: This crowd is solidly behind Elijah though, Rayne. They're trying to will him forward.
{ Terrella asks Portia for a steel chair, and his fianceĆØ immediately goes on the hunt for one. The official half admonishes Terrella, with Tommy realizing he can't let it go that far. Terrella gives Tommy Knocker a little shove to the chest though as Portia slides a chair into the ring. }
Iyo Kenshin: This is Stephen Terrella simply wanting to hurt someone!
Rayne: Hey, if he splits Eli's melon wide open, it doesn't matter if Terrella loses by DQ or not. Is Eli going to wrestle him for the title from his hospital bed?
{ A battered Eli pulls himself off the canvas as Terrella reaches down for the chair. Wielding the weapon, Terrella makes a move for Elijah. Lassiter dodges a huge swing of the chair by Terrella with the 'Pick 'N Roll', and the picture perfect dropkick at the end sends the chair straight back into Terrella's face! Stephen drops the chair and falls to a knee, blood trickling onto the canvas from his nose. Eli spikes him with a big time DDT! The crowd chants for Eli as he goes out onto the apron, much to Portia's visible chagrin on the outside. Eli springboards off the top rope with the Airwalk, dropping his elbow right into Terrella's chest! Eli hooks a leg as Tommy Knocker slides into position for a count. }
One!
Two!!
Three!!!
{ Elijah Lassiter rolls to the outside as Terrella's fiancee, Portia, stands with both hands covering her mouth in stunned disbelief. }
Iyo Kenshin: Elijah Lassiter has done it! He has earned his shot at the Invictus Championship by beating Stephen Terrella here tonight!!
Rayne: He had to have hooked the tights! Had to have!
{ āCrazy In The Parkā hits as Lassiter celebrates on the outside of the ring. }
Alison Valance: Your winner of this matchā¦ Elijah Lassiter!
{ Terrella rolls over on his side, staring down Elijah. Portia, having made her way inside the ring, kneels down next to Terrella and puts her hand on his shoulder. Lassiter makes the belt motion around his waist as fans reach over the barricade to pat him on his shoulders and cheer. }
Winner: Elijah Lassiter via pinfall
------------------------------------
MAIN EVENT
10 YEAR THROWBACK MAN OF STEEL RULES MATCH
(KO/Submission Only, 3 Rope Breaks)
JC Keeton vs Matt Knox
------------------------------------
Alison Valance: The following contest is your Odyssey Main Event and is a Man of Steel rules match set for one fall.
{The houselights cut out, a single Raven cries out soon joined by another, then another until the cries of an entire unkindness fill the house sound system, soon broken by "Hell Broke Luce" by Tom Waits cutting through, the house lights coming up to a dull blue as a single white strobe light pulses in time to the song's percussion. Standing in the middle of that pulsing light, back to the ring, stands Matthew Knox adorned in his ring gear and a sleeveless hoodie. Arms outstretched like a bird in flight he pivots on a heel and begins making his way to the ring, sliding under the bottom rope and picking a corner to charge and leap upon to scream the audience into a frenzy. He takes a lap around the ring, before kneeling in a corner and patiently waiting for the ring to sound.}
Alison Valance: Introducing first weighing in tonight at 244lbsā¦ MATTHEW āTHE RAVENā KNOX!
Iyo Kenshin: Matt Knox has been nothing short of dominant since his return a few weeks ago.
Rayne: He's got his hands full tonight.
Iyo Kenshin: That he does.
Alison Valance: And his opponentā¦
{ The lights in the arena go out "Chosen One" by Valley of Wolves begins playing as a blinding spotlight is cast on the entryway.}
Now I've never been the one to play it safe
I might play a little dirty some days
And I'm following fate, they say I'm the chosen one
Well I know what it takes to be a king
Be the song everybody wanna sing
Bring harmony and be the chosen one
Alison Valance: Weighing in at 221 lbs he is the former IWF World Championā¦JC KEETON!
{As soon as the first verse ends pyro explodes from the rampway as JC Keeton steps into the spotlight. The lights come up and he makes his way to the ring bouncing in rhythm to the music. When he reaches the ring he leaps up onto the apron and steps through the ropes, He continues to sway and bounce from heel to heel as he awaits the match to start.}
Iyo Kenshin: Fan's may have noticed that both competitors have their fists taped. That's because this match is being fought under Man of Steel rules.
Rayne: That's right Iyo, each competitor gets three rope breaks and the only way to win is by knockout or submission.
{The bell sounds and Knox takes the center of the ring. He extends a fist and Keeton steps forward and bumps it with his own. They lock up and the clear height advantage goes to The Raven but JC holds his own not allowing the larger man to bully him into the corner. Keeton fires off a few elbows into the chiseled abs of Knox and Matt breaks his grip allowing JC to send him to the mat with a deep arm drag. Almost as soon as he hits the ground Knox pops back up but eats a picture perfect drop kick that draws a pop from the crowd.}
Iyo Kenshin: Dare I say that's the best drop kick in the business.
Rayne: You won't get any arguments from me.
{Knox shakes it off and gives his young friend a condescending clap. Matt tries to lock up again hut JC steps under his outstretched arms and goes behind hooking The Raven in a full nelson but the height difference is a clear problem as JC can't get the leverage needed to toss Knox backwards with a Dragon Suplex and Matt just pushes his body weight back crushing JC in the corner. A follow up Pump Kick causes the former World Champion to stagger out of the corner into the waiting arms of the man who once held the record for most defenses of the IWF World Television Championship. Knox holds JC up for a moment shuffling his feet to adjust position and throws Keeton backwards from one corner to the other with an Explorer Suplex.}
Iyo Kenshin: Huge Exploder from Knox. He tossed a 220 plus pound man like a small child.
Rayne: He's had plenty of practice playing with children.
{ Knox grabs Keetonās left foot, twisting it under his arm in a deep ankle lock. JC claws forward looking to reach the ropes but Knox grapevines the leg and drops to his back forcing JC to drag all of his body weight. Somehow Keeton is able to claw forward on his stomach and wrap his fingertips around the bottom rope. Blue Shoes forces The Raven to break the hold. He holds up one finger on his right hand indicating that JC has used his first Rope Break. Both men get back to their feet and Keeton, realizing he's been on the defense most of the match fires a stiff right hook right into the mouth of his friend. Matt swipes his finger over his bottom lip to check for blood but finds none. He smiles and fires off a 1-2 that JC partially blocks. A chopping inside leg kick from Keeton gives him the opening to come over the top with a blistering overhead left that connects on the chin of the taller man and Knox goes down. }
Iyo Kenshin: Timber! That's a tall tree that just dropped. He might be out.
Rayne: That was a hell of a shot but I think it'll take more than that to turn out the lights on Matt Knox.
{ Keeton swarms raining down hammer fists to the side of the head of Knox who covers up to no avail. Finally Knox is able to wrap his arms around JC and roll towards the ropes forcing the youngster to stop pounding away at him. Blue Shoes holds up a finger on each hand to signify that both men have now used one rope break. Knox stands slowly, knots beginning to form around his left eye from the fury of punches. He looks pleased and motions for Keeton to bring it on and JC obliges, firing off a quick jab that sends Matt's head snapping back. Knox returns fire spinning into a Discus Elbow that smacks Keeton on the side of the head sounding like a line drive. JC slumps forward into a Thai Plum from Knox that's the only thing keeping him from falling and Matt drives a big hard knee right up the middle that sends blood flying from JC's nose and splattering all over the mat.}
Iyo Kenshin: What a brutal knee from Knox, Keeton might be out.
Rayne: These guys are beating the absolute hell out of each other, and they like each other. Imagine if they didn't.
Iyo Kenshin: We're in the pro wrestling business Rayne, we don't make snuff films.
{ Somehow, slowly but surely, JC Keeton is able to use the ropes to pull himself to his feet using the rope while Matt Knox was catching his breath. Seeing the crimson mask that adorned the face of his young friend, The Raven smelled blood in the water. He began firing off kicks looks to send JC To the Guillotine but Keeton catches his foot, slips under, reaches back wrapping Knox up in an inverted facelock before dropping to his knees with a backbreaker. He rolls the big man over into a bulldog choke but has the awareness to realize he's too close to the ropes and knows Matt still has two rope breaks. So JC releases the bulldog before it's fully cinched in and he drags Knox to the center of the ring to reapply the bulldog choke. Knox has nowhere to go.}
Iyo Kenshin: This could be it! Wreck Your Neck by JC Keeton locked in in the center of the ring.
Rayne: Matt Knox has looked like the better man up to this point but I've seen JC Keeton make many of his opponent's tap out to this same move.
{ Before Blue Shoes can even ask Knox if he wants to give up the lights go out.}
Iyo Kenshin: What the hell?
Rayne: This is never good.
{ When the lights come back on Angel Blake and Wraith are in the ring standing over Keeton and Knox while the submission is still locked in.}
Iyo Kenshin: Sanguis Immortalis! The World Tag Team Champions are in the ring!
{Blake and Wraith begin laying the boots to JC and Matt as boos ring out from the crowd. They grab Knox and pull him to his feet before hitting a double clothesline that sends him up and over the top rope to the floor. Keeton jumps up and tries to fight them off but the fatigue from the match and the Numbers prove too much as Wraith blasts him with a Genocide Kick right into Revelations from Angel.}
Iyo Kenshin: Genocide Breaker! This does not look good for JC Keeton right now.
Rayne: Not at all.
{Matt Knox gets to his feet outside the ring but before he can get in the ring to help JC someone grabs him from behind and pulls him over the guardrail. }
Iyo Kenshin: That's Nick Knight! We've seen a change of heart from him as of late and Knox has made it no secret that he's pissed Knight broke his TV title record.
Rayne: They're fighting into the crowd! I don't even see them anymore.
{As Knight and Knox disappear into the sea of fans Angel and Wraith each grab one of JC's arms looking for Welcome to the Family when cheers erupt as Dean Harper comes sprinting down the aisle. Dean slides into the ring and pulls his father and brother away from JC. He stands with Keeton still on his knees in front of him while he has one hand on Angelās chest and one on Wraith's.}
Iyo Kenshin: Dean Harper appears conflicted. He waits to protect his partner but looks hesitant to strike his family.
Rayne: He better not hesitate at Night of the Immortals. Angel Blake might be his father but he's also loyal to no one but himself.
{The IWF logo appears in the corner of the screen as the show goes off with Dean pleading for Angel and Wraith to save it for the match.}
Well howdy there pardner.