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SHOW OPEN
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{ The show opener for Tuesday Night Sacrifice plays to the theme of IOU by Five Finger Death Punch showing clips of all the current champions as well as some of the biggest stars in IWF currently. }
Terri Morasco: It's Tuesday Night and you know what that means, IWF Sacrifice is live! I'm Terri Morasco, seated alongside my broadcast partner, Vasco Dias. Tonight is a big night.
Vasco Dias: That's right, Terri! And I'm fine, by the way. Not that anyone but Mr. Verona asked how I was after the brutal attack.
Terri Morasco: You make it sound like you fought off a hundred men. It was just Dean Harper slamming your head into the table.
Vasco Dias: I was traumatized. Anyway, we have a couple debut matches lined up for the evening.
Terri Morasco: As well as a Lone Star Gauntlet match.
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SEGMENT
2000 Word Limit
Roberto Verona and Bob Pooler make a special announcement relating to the Performance Centre.
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{ We return from a brief break to join Roberto Verona â flanked by members of his Legion â and Bob Pooler who are stood side by side in a corporate office backstage. Bob shuffles a little nervously, looking around the room as he holds an awkward smile. Verona looks directly forward into the camera before beginning to speak. }
Roberto Verona: I hope you are all enjoying the showâŠ
{ The crowd pops. }
Roberto Verona: I am pleased to join the Head of the IWF Performance Centre, Bob Pooler, to share with the world a very special announcement. After some⊠polite discussions last week, we stand here before you all tonight to share some news about the future of⊠well, our future, the members of the IWF Performance Centre.
{ Verona stands there for a moment, before turning to look at Bob whose head shoots up startled as he realises heâs been stared at. }
Bob Pooler: I am â
{ Bob suddenly catches himself and shoots a nervous glance at Roberto. }
Bob Pooler: Erm⊠We are pleased to announce the official launch of the IWF Gladiators Division! This roster will be made up of the next generation of IWF stars, competing to make a name for themselves and prove to you all that they are ready to take to the greatest stage of them all â the IWF roster!
{ The crowd cheers as Bob smiles. }
Bob Pooler: Our Gladiators will compete not only compete on Sacrifice and Odyssey, but also on their own brand-new weekly show Coliseum â airing live before every episode of our weekly broadcasts. I am incredibly excited to be able to broadcast our highly talented members of the Performance Centre on a weekly basis for the whole world to get a preview of the next generation of talent.
Ever since I took a step back from competing in the ring to help guide the next generation of talent I have dreamed of being able to more readily showcase some of the very best professional wrestling has to offer and now I am delighted to be able to do just that â week in, week out! All thanks to the⊠erm⊠guidance of my esteemed boss, Roberto Verona.
{ Verona smiles wryly before nodding towards Bob. }
Roberto Verona: Since the very inception of this company, we have always prided ourselves on providing a platform for talent from across the world to be able to make a name for themselves and now youâll all be able to get a sneak preview of the next big things in professional wrestling. But thatâs not all, isnât that right Bob?
Bob Pooler: ErmâŠ
Roberto Verona: Of course, I must have forgotten to mention⊠to represent this new era in IWF we will be giving power to the people to elect their champions from our new pool of talent. Beginning with Odyssey on April 9th each and every one of you will be able to have your say in the future of our company. Going forward, the IWF World Television Championship will be defended on every week our televised shows â and all of you will select the challengers! I am giving you the power to decide who is worthy of the opportunity to compete for your entertainment week in, week out.
{ The crowd erupts into cheers as Roberto smiles and nods. }
Roberto Verona: At High Stakes, Nick Danger and Wraith will compete in a ladder match to determine who will hold the IWF World Television Championship and enter this new era as champion. Additionally, members of our Gladiators Division will compete inside the Roulette to determine the first number one contender to face the victor â whoever secures the most eliminations will be the first to challenge for this massive opportunity to potentially make history as the first Gladiator to hold gold.
{ Bob looks over at Verona nervously. }
Bob Pooler: Roberto we didnât discussâŠ
{ Verona shoots a look at Bob as his Legion step one foot forward to loom over him. }
Roberto Verona: I thought we shared a vision, Bob?
Bob Pooler: I well⊠yes, we do.. butâŠ
Roberto Verona: Donât worry, I wouldnât expect you to carry this burden alone. The future of this company is far too important thatâs why Iâve appointed a Co-Head of the IWF Performance Center.
{ Bob looks shocked. }
Bob Pooler: Roberto could weâŠ
Roberto Verona: I believe you know one another.
{ Verona turns his head as the figure of⊠Jessica Reed walks into frame in a bright red suit to the delight of the crowd⊠and the partial relief of Pooler. }
Jessica Reed: Hi Bobby!
Bob Pooler: My nameâs BobâŠ
Roberto Verona: Iâm sure youâll both work together perfectly. Oh and Bob?
Bob Pooler: Yes?
Roberto Verona: Remember to look after my family â Iâm holding you responsible if anything happens.
{ Verona stares straight at Bob before turning to smile at the camera. }
Roberto Verona: Enjoy the rest of the show.
{ Verona turns back and marches past Bob, followed by his Legion, as Pooler stands looking concerned with Jessica Reed bouncing happily on the spot with a beaming smile as we return back to ringside. }
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NO DISQUALIFICATIONS MATCH
1500 Word Limit
Dixie Wrecks vs. Amber Vogel
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{ "Faster" by Dax & Tech N9ne plays over the PA, and Amber comes out with her arms raised in the air whilst showboating to the crowd and trying to entice them to get louder. She gets a mixed reaction off of them, but doesn't let that dissuade her when she rushes down the ring ramp, greeting as many of the audience as she can before finally sliding under the bottom rope and into the ring. She springs to her feet, a pep in her step, and skips to the nearby corner while leaning over the corner and blows a kiss out to the audience. She turns to wait for the match to start. }
Terri Morasco: This young lady could have a bright future ahead of her as a trainee to the great Tara Fenix! The number of successful people coming from Taraâs training is growing, Vasco.
Vasco Dias: Oh, absolutely. You have Seth Evans, you have Wraith, you have Jennieâ she assisted with Myo, Emmanuelle, JessĂ©, and now⊠Amber.
{ "Boot Scoot Boogie" plays and the fans greet her with various degrees of reaction. She hams it up with some fans as she heads to the ring and once at the steps she shotguns a beer and hops into the ring. }
Vasco Dias: Donât you just wanna dance to this song?!
Terri Morasco: I didnât know it was your kind of music.
Vasco Dias: Itâs growing on me.
{ At the opening bell, both Dixie and Amber march toward the center of the ring and get nose-to-nose; Dixie has the height over Amber by merely three inches, but Amber is definitely not someone that Dixie should be taking lightly⊠Dixie shoves Amber back, and Amber looks amused as she snaps forward and shoves her back, and the match starts heating up with each one exchanging powerful strikes with each other! Amber scoops Dixie up with a scoop slam, and excites the crowd early on as she pesters Dixie back to her feet, only to lift her up and back down with a second scoop slam. Dixie rolls to her feet this time and charges at Amber, going for a spear! The student of the TFTC manages to keep to her feet but is backed into the corner, and Dixie starts driving in continuous shoulder thrusts to drive the wind out of Amber. }
Terri Morasco: Amber looks to have an early advantage against Dixie this week, but Dixie is starting to show some life. Amber really isnât someone that should be taken lightly, as you have to remember that she does have a pinfall victory over the current IWF Womenâs World Champion, and could be viewed as the favorite to earn a chance to go to Ironmaiden!
Vasco Dias: The fact that sheâs been trained by Tara, trained by Emmanuelle, trained by Sabin should tell you just how skilled she really is inside of the ring.
Terri Morasco: Is that some respect?
Vasco Dias: You canât deny the brutality of Wraith.
{ Dixie breaks free from the corner and starts to punish Amber with some palm strikes, and when Amber counters, Dixie answers with a fast headbutt that sends her back into the corner - Dixie shoves her hard to cause her to rebound back, and sails her over with a powerslam that she immediately transitions for a cover but Amber is able to kick out at the count of two! Amber gets to her feet relatively fast, but still a step behind Dixie who is trying to maintain control of the match - Dixie goes for a suplex, but Amber manages to keep herself grounded! Dixie tries a second time, but only gets the same result! Amber finally counters into her own suplex, STALLING WITH DIXIE HELD UPSIDE DOWN! The crowd roars in support of Amber, as Amber finally drops back and immediately rolls over to cover and earn her own two count. }
Terri Morasco: These two ladies are some powerhouses and theyâre putting it on display with some high impact moves!
{ Dixie is trying to get to her feet, but Amber cuts her off and powers her up then slams her back down with a powerbomb! Amber goes for a second cover, but Dixie still kicks out at two, and starts looking for a change of plans⊠Amber gets a hold of Dixie, starting to pull her to her feet, but Dixie gets her into an inside cradle! ONE! TWO! AMBER KICKS OUT! Amber takes a moment to try to regain her bearings after being rolled up, and it allows Dixie to take advantage as she connects with RHINESTONE ROOMBA! Dixie rolls her up for the cover! }
ONE!
TWO!
AMBER KICKS OUT!
{ Dixie wastes no time getting to her feet and bringing her opponent up with her, but as sheâs pulling her up â Amber lifts Dixie onto her shoulders! Amber brings Dixie over with the ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! Amber immediately goes for a cover of her own! }
ONE!
TWO!
DIXIE KICKS OUT!
Vasco Dias: Both of these women have had an impressive showing and it looks like it could go either way!
Terri Morasco: I wonder how much more they can take!
{ Dixie is slow to get to her feet, and Amber is there to meet her - she goes for a crafty roll up, going for a wheelbarrow victory roll! BUT DIXIE STOPS HER! Dixie pulls Amber back and BEVERLY WHEELBILLY! She has the bridge held! }
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
Alison Valance: Your winner, by way of pinfall, DIXIE! WRRRRREEEEEEEEEECCCCCCKKKKKKKSSSSSS!!!!!
{ Dixie Wrecks snaps to her feet and has her arm raised in the center of the ring. She takes a moment to soak it in as Amber remains out. }
Terri Morasco: I thought Amber almost had it there.
Vasco Dias: She came close, but Dixie Wrecks with a perfect counter to end the match!
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SEGMENT
1500 Word Limit
Caroline Machado confronts Itami and Gregor Winter over the conclusion of the Iron Maiden tag team match.
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{An eerie fog fills the entrance ramp as the lights fade to black. A war drum echoes through the arena until it is replaced by the guitar and drums of O Fortuna by Botch. A crimson light begins to strobe revealing that there is some sort of a creature hiding within the thick fog.
The creature begins to move in an otherworldly way, sometimes it appears to be a man and other times a serpent. Pyro erupts as guttural vocals begin and for the first time, fans see the demon-masked face of âThe Lady Painâ Itami stepping out of the fog with the massive Gregor Winter standing behind her arms overhead as if âThe MODifierâ is calling the wrath of The Demoness down on anyone that stands before them.}
Vasco Dias: Letâs see what Itami says about her actions in last weekâs four-way tag match.
Terri Morasco: It will be interesting to see the reason the MOD gives her just walking out on a spot in Iron Maiden.
{The pair makes their way towards ringside ignoring the jeers that rain down from almost every seat in the Frost Bank Center. Once they reach the ring they climb up onto the apron and face the hard camera. Itami pulls the mask from her face as flames shoot from all four ring posts.}
Gregor Winter: Everywhere I have looked this past week it seems like Iâm seeing people asking the exact same question, why would I ask Itami to just walk out on Sweet Caroline? The answer is simple really, a good general always chooses the battlefield. Why would I allow Itami to go out there and fight against six of the best professional wrestlers in the world with an inferior partner? I know that none of you want to hear this but Caroline Machado was the weak link in that match.
{The boos once again rain down and he pauses until the jeers stop.}
Gregor Winter: Boo me all you want but it wonât change the fact that sheâs soft. The only thing that she has ever done in her entire career is beating Shelly Diamond, a woman who was worn down by more than a year-long title reign, to become Womenâs World Champion. I know that is an impressive feat to most of you, but how impressive is it when you canât even successfully defend the championship once?
I know that you all look at Caroline and see a role model for all of the young fans in IWF, but when I look at Caroline I see wasted potential. She is a young woman who has the natural ability to be mentioned with some of IWFâs greatest champions like Eternity, Brookly Madrox, or even Angel Blake; sadly she simply refuses the help of the group of people who could help make that a reality.
The MOD is what she needs to become the best version of herself, but instead, she would rather go on being coddled by everyone around her. The people who raised her gave her everything that she could have possibly wanted, and Fionna and JJ have coddled her since the first day she walked through their door. They treat her way more like a member of the family than a student or training partner, probably because they feel bad for poor little Caroline whose Mommy and Daddy died when she was just a little girl.
Your parents would probably be ashamed of you for notâ
{ Upon the very evokation of Carolineâs parents â and former trainers, James Gilmore and Fiona McFly, by proxy â the Brazilian steps out onto the stage. By the look of anger in her eyes and vengeance on her lips, one might think that on this particular night, sheâs not gonna take being fucked around with. }
Vasco Dias: Uh-ohâŠI donât like the look on her faceâŠ
Terri Morasco: This is quite out of character for the normally huggable former Womenâs World Champion. Am I even supposed to be saying thisâŠ?!
Vasco Dias: Heh, beats me!
{ Caroline takes a moment to survey the situation, but at firstâŠshe doesnât say anything. In her mind, sheâs had so much on her plate since finding out about her parentsâ space rocket firm and its impending demise, the destruction of everything they had built. To her, it was a callback to 9/11, that sunny Tuesday morning that turned into one of the more horrific events in modern history. For a brief moment, the crowd noise couldâve easily been undistinguishable from the whine of NYPD and FDNY sirens that were heard on that day. Carolineâs lips quivered as she adjusted the new wireless mic gadget IWF had been testing for months, and then⊠}
Caroline Machado: YouâŠwillâŠtakeâŠthoseâŠwordsâŠBACK!!!
{ The uncharacteristic vitriol in her voice was pronounced and eloquent, even despite the thick accent. Caroline continued to stare daggers at both Gregor and Itami, perhaps desiring to break both of them like twigs. }
Gregor Winter: Thatâs a good girl.
{A smiling Gregor Winter rolls out of the while Itami slowly backs away from the woman she will be facing the next week as a part of the Iron Maiden Qualifying Battle Royal.}
Vasco Dias: What in the world just happened?
Terri Morasco: I think Team MOD just bought some real estate inside of Caroline Machados head.
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SINGLES MATCH
1500 Word Limit
Masao Akiyama vs. El Grande Malo
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{ "Test of faith" Start to play the Shamisen playing slow as the Tron lights up and Masao steps out pausing as he waits for the beat to drop hands raising to the sky as he walks toward the ring , slamming is hand on the steps as he climbs them to step between the ropes and shedding the robe as he climbs a turnbuckle before gesturing at the crowd before dropping off to prepare }
Terri Morasco: Iâm intrigued to see Masao Akiyama make his debut here tonight, and he did have some words on Odyssey last week!
{ Cut to Odyssey last week⊠}
{Masao shifts slightly to gesture to the microphone as if to ask 'may I?' And Tiff hands him the stick so he can step fully into shot}
Akiyama: I will not waste your time with plenitudes, or compliments I was told the best reside in IWF, My path is not yet forged but The truest steel can only be tempered in the hottest fire. I seek to be tempered, I seek to test myself against all who would stand. I seek the strong.
{He squares up against the camera}
Akiyama: It does not matter, The Wraith, Nick Knight, Dean Harper, choose your names, choose your time, choose your battles I will show you The will of the mountain, and the rage of Sakurajima. You will see come Sacrifice.
{ Cut back to live feed at Sacrifice where Masao is inside of the ring now awaiting the arrival of his opponent. }
Vasco Dias: Heâs throwing out the biggest names in the company, and he better be able to back it up here tonight!
Terri Morasco: Letâs see what he can do!
{ The house lights dim slightly as the words âOLĂâ appear on the screen. The fans begin chanting along with the music as El GrandĂ© Malo bursts out from behind the curtain. He stomps his way out to the center of the stage, bouncing up and down in time with the music. He hops up and down pointing into the air and quickly begins jogging down toward the ring, slapping the outstretched hands along the way, before sliding into the ring and heading for the nearest corner. He scales the turnbuckles and continues to hype up the chanting crowd before dropping down and pulling on the nearby top rope, stretching while waiting for the match to begin. }
Vasco Dias: And now hereâs El GrandĂ© Malo, and heâs looking to put this newcomer in his place! The veteran of IWF here!
Terri Morasco: Oh, weâre not even gonna waste anytime!
{ El GrandĂ© Malo charges directly for Masao and hits him with a shotgun dropkick! Masao falls back against the ropes and right as Malo returns to his feet, heâs met with a hard shoulder block that knocks him right back to the ground! Masao runs the ropes, and Malo rolls over and Masao goes over - Malo springs to his feet, and Masao has a return tripâŠMalo goes over him! Masao rebounds off the ropes yet again, and this time Malo jumps for a hurricanrana but Masao reverses into a powerbomb! }
Terri Morasco: Perfectly telegraphed, and it looks like El Grandé Malo could be in trouble!
Vasco Dias: Itâs still early.
{ Masao pulls El Grandé Malo back to his feet, as Malo is trying to shake off the cobwebs - Masao sails Malo over with an EXPLODER SUPLEX! Masao looks to go for the cover, but Malo is fast to retreat out of the ring⊠}
Terri Morasco: Masao Akiyama is really proving himself on the stage here tonight, and Malo looks like he needs to conjure up a different plan of attack.
Vasco Dias: But he is crafty, and heâs not someone you can count out! On any given night, Malo has proven himself a formidable foe!
{ Malo goes back up to the ring apron and points for Doc, the referee, to hold Masao back so he can re-enter the ring; Masao shows no intention of intervening, and Doc is demanding Malo gets back into the ring⊠Malo obliges, and Masao is challenging him to meet in the center of the ring and Malo looks like heâs going to go for it - when Malo gets to the center of the ring, he connects with a basement dropkick to Masaoâs leg! Masaoâs knee buckles, and Malo is immediately right back up now kicking at the targeted limb! Masao starts bracing, but then Malo uses another dropkick causing it to buckle a second time, and Masao goes down to one knee. }
Vasco Dias: Yâsee! The veteran of IWF!
{ Malo pops to his feet and raises his arms out to the audience, and they give an OLE response. Malo turns around to take Masao down with a cradle DDT and immediately covers him! }
ONE!
TWO!
MASAO KICKS OUT!
{ Malo doesnât waste anytime getting to his feet, and builds up some momentum as Masao is getting back up, too - Malo returns, and Masao COUNTERS! MASAO pops Malo into the air, catches him on his shoulders, and then raises him up further and slams him down with SAKURAJIMA! The entire audience is out of their seats from the high impact powerbomb! }
Terri Morasco: THATâLL KNOCK THE WIND OUT OF YOU!
{ Masao covers. }
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
Alison Valance: Your winner! BY WAY OF PINFALL! MASAO! AKIYAAAAAAMAAAAAAA!!!!!
{ Masao springs to his feet and his arm raised in the center of the ring. }
Terri Morasco: What a debut! Masao Akiyama with a big win here tonight thatâll give him some momentum going into the upcoming Roulette!
Vasco Dias: Lucky break.
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SEGMENT
1500 Word Limit
Serenity Holmes provides a backstage interview ahead of her entry into the Iron Maiden Battle Royale next week.
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{ San Antonio, Texas. Her home state always supported her career, but in IWF, her actions have become questionable to the audience, especially regarding her status in the company. Serenity Holmes has displayed a vicious side to her that no one has seen coming in a long time. Could it be because of her lack of success, or maybe because reality has set in due to her actions committed at the end of last year, which showed she's not as invulnerable as she thought? Serenity has had time to think about what she has to say to the IWF fanbase and address her stance to qualify for the Iron Maiden match. On the other hand, more emotions have been building through her mind to understand exactly how much she wanted to win.
The scenery opens to a live broadcast in the backstage area of the Frost Bank Center, where a room separated from the main hallways and open production forum has been closed for a media scrum. Although this was a scheduled interview, Serenity requested to be alone in front of the camera, where a high-top wooden chair had been placed in the center under a light to highlight the darkness around. The sound of heels clicking against the floor as she walks into the camera's view to sit on the chair sporting a short black dress with black boots, her black hat turned backward, and she leans back on the chair, staring into the camera lens with her legs crossed and hands clasped together. Serenity's hazel eyes were narrowed, fueled by the impending motivation to prove everyone wrong in this business. }
Serenity Holmes: I don't understand why everyone's been asking why I'm acting like this. You've ever been at the top of the industry and fallen to the bottom because of a mistake you made? Yeah, please don't sit there and judge me. None of you are perfect, and I don't need any of you on the roster to pretend you can tell me what's going on. This industry that we're in is cutthroat. In other words, you can only trust yourself, which is why I didn't give a single damn about the tag team match after learning Natasha Walker was my partner. Mr. Verona, it would be best if you heard what I say regarding how I feel about qualifying for the Iron Maiden match.
{ The camera angles on the live broadcast vary from side to side to highlight a more personal touch on the interview. Although Serenity maintained her forward penance stare, the audience was intrigued to know how the young upstart's attitude shifted during her tenure in the company. }
Serenity Holmes: Iron Maiden. I get a guaranteed opportunity at the IWF Women's World Championship if I win this match. It's what I need to do. After all, Jennie Fenix has been begging for competition, and Shea O'Hara is looking forward to seeing me do better. However, it's not what the other women think; quite frankly, I don't care what they think.
{ A slight ominous hum of a chilling melodic tune plays into the background as the camera zooms closer on the face of Serenity Holmes. She sits upwards with her hands gripping the edge of the chair's wooden armrests and keeps her legs crossed to send a message to the audience and her future opponent for next week. }
Serenity Holmes: I can start fresh for the first time in my life. I can finally begin with a blank canvas and paint it however I want. I don't need someone hanging over me pretending to care about me, then stabbing the knife in my back I never saw coming, and I don't need the veterans to think they know what's best for me. I'm 20 years old and have shown I have the potential to be the best, which means I cannot allow anyone to pass me by. Next week on Odyssey, Mr. Verona was right; this company has become too damn complacent, allowing chaos to rise and fire on everyone who cannot handle the heat. I want my match to represent just how serious I am about the Iron Maiden match, which is why, to my opponent, I want to ask you something.
{ She leans in, and her voice changes to a more aggressive attitude with a sinister undertone. }
Serenity Holmes: Let's make this fun. Let's give these people a taste of what the Iron Maiden can bring. I demand not just a normal match, but let's take it to the extreme. I want blood, guts, and pain everywhere. I'm enjoying embracing my dark side and bringing out the best in my opponents, but I'm being the nice, good girl who sits and waits for her opportunity. I've barely won a match with this company, which is driving me insane. It's pushing me past the point where I could legit put someone in a hospital for looking at me in the wrong way. So you all can tell me that I need to change but the truth is, I'm so happy that this opportunity is on my doorstep because the Iron Maiden match is what I have to do to prove that I am not just a one hit wonder.
{ As a matter of fact, Serenity stands up from the chair and kicks it out of the camera view. She marches up to the camera and grabs it herself to get a close-up of her face. Her heavy breathing and intense eye contact make it difficult for the average person to watch. }
Serenity Holmes: And one more thing, I pray it's you, Natasha. I pray I get to face you so I can crush your silly little dreams and break every bone in your body. Do you want to fight? Bring it. I'm waiting for you. The Iron Maiden is mine, and I'll be damned if I let this opportunity slip away from my fingers again. I am done with the crap, I am done with the fake pleasantries, and I am done being the little girl everyone can abuse and beat. No, I am fighting back and collecting apologies for the only payment humanity understands, blood.
{ She pushes the camera down to the floor, and the equipment,glitches, making the broadcast a little hard to see. The final shot is Serenity Holmes walking out of the frame, and the Sacrifice logo appears on the screen with technical difficulties until transitioning to the next match. }
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SINGLES MATCH
2000 Word Limit
Jason "J-TV" Hathaway vs. TJ Alexander
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{ As "The Touch" By Stan Bush blares out of the PA speakers, TJ Alexander walks onto stages and raises his hands out to the side, he walks down the ramp with a cocky arrogance and chip on his shoulder, and TJ runs into the ring and climbs the nearest turnbuckle and looks into the crowd with a smile on his face. }
Terri Morasco: TJ Alexander has had some ups and downs within the company, but heâs looking to remedy that here tonight by facing off against one of our newcomers. TJ Alexander is an incredible talent, and you have to know that! He went one-on-one with Wraith, and came close to becoming the IWF World Television Champion by beating a former world champion!
Vasco Dias: Iâm not saying anything against TJ Alexander in the least, he definitely has the potential to make something great happen but heâs going to have to want it! Heâs going to have to show how hungry he is!
"Nobody fully understands the effect lightning has on its victims, but strange things seem to happen."
{ The lights begin to flicker and spin as the drums begin to play, and Jason Hathaway emerges onto the stage. Robbie the Camera Guy is right behind him, hoisting an old video camera on his shoulders as the screens in the arena cut to a live shot of Robbie's feed, complete with a "J-TV" watermark in the corner.
Jason saunters his way down the aisle, swaying and dancing to the blaring surf-rock playing through the speakers and directing all his attention to Robbie's camera rather than those of the actual show. When they reach the apron, Robbie puts down the camera and slides into the ring first, quickly snatching the microphone from the ring announcer. }
Alison Valance: "Ladies and Gentlemen, you are now watching... J! T! V!"
{ Hathaway walks around the side of the ring and hops up onto the apron and flips over the top rope, letting his sunglasses fall off in the process as he drops to a knee and poses in the middle of the ring with his arms spread wide. Robbie slides Jason's jacket off and leaves the ring as Jason slides over to his corner. }
Terri Morasco: And hereâs Jason Hathway, âJ-T-Vâ, whoâs coming off of a hot win against El GrandĂ© Malo on Odyssey last week and looking to keep his spark running on Sacrifice!
Vasco Dias: I was watching what he can do, and I have to say, Iâm a fan! Heâs got what it takes!
DING!
{ The bell sounds and TJ Alexander starts circling the ring while J-TV is looking to go right down the middle⊠just when it looks like J-TV is about to trap him in a corner, TJ rushes forward, and J-TV fires for a clothesline that misses the mark! TJ bounces off the ropes and comes back to sail Jason over with an armdrag, and both of the fighters roll through and back to their feet just for J-TV to be taken over with a second armdrag! Again to their feet, and TJ rushes toward Jason⊠Jason sidesteps, and pushes TJ towards the ropes with the extra momentum, and TJ springs to the top rope before coming back and catching J-TV with a springboard hurricanrana! TJ immediately rolls him up for the cover! }
ONE!
TWO!
{ J-TV rolls TJ back into a sunset flip and goes for a cover of his own! }
ONE!
TWO!
TJ KICKS OUT!
Terri Morasco: TJ Alexander seems to be a lot faster, and is competing at a pretty high level!
Vasco Dias: But you understand the problem here is that heâs just tiring himself out! J-T-V is the one controlling this match, trust you me, heâs just letting TJ Alexander do this to wear himself out.
{ TJ is the first to his feet by rolling backwards, but J-TV isnât far behind him⊠long enough for TJ to connect with a dropkick that sends J-TV back down to the mat! TJ goes over J-TV and springs off of the second rope, coming back with a moonsault and hooks the leg! }
ONE!
TWO!
J-TV kicks out!
Terri Morasco: Whether heâs playing his game or not, itâs gonna backfire if he gets caught with something unexpected!
{ TJ hurries back to his feet, and J-TV gets up behind him. TJ is there to cut him off and starts to connect with knee strikes to keep Jason Hathaway on the defense - TJ pulls J-TV toward him for a short-arm clothesline, and J-TV DUCKS! J-TV circles behind TJ Alexander, holding his arm into a hammerlock position before sailing him back with the J-PLEX! J-TV goes for a cover of his own! }
ONE!
TWO!
THRâ KICK OUT!
{ TJ Alexander at the last moment is able to kick out, but heâs feeling the effects from the suplex. }
Vasco Dias: What did I tell you, Terri? J-TV saw the opening, and he took it!
{ J-TV now pulls TJ back to his feet, but despite the suplex, TJ Alexander starts fighting back! The two start going back and forth with strikes to try to keep the other one on their toes⊠J-TV goes for a quick clothesline, and TJ ducks underneath, stopping on his heels just as J-TV turns around and TJ reaches back before jumping up and over and takes him down with CRASH LANDING! J-TVâs legs kick up into the air, and TJ catches one to roll him up! }
ONE!
TWO!
THRâ KICK OUT!
Terri Morasco: It doesnât look like J-TV saw that coming, which is why Iâm certain this isnât going just his way.
{ Both of them roll across the ring from each other; TJ Alexander gets up on his own, and J-TV uses the ropes to pull himself upâŠboth of them are in need of a short breather, but the adrenaline pumping throughout both of them urges them forward â as theyâre about to clash in the center of the ring, J-TV catches TJ with an unexpected scissor leg sweep, and TJ goes to immediately get up but "Nothing More - Tired of Winning" Tyson Rost's music hits causing TJ to look towards the ramp, with the distraction J-TV is there with a stiff kick to his back, stunning TJ as he grimaces in pain⊠J-TV snatches both of TJâs arms, before driving a hard knee to the back of TJâs head, the FAMEBREAKER! }
Vasco Dias: Thatâs a lights out maneuver right there!
{ J-TV makes the cover. }
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
Alison Valance: Your winner! BY WAY OF PINFALL! J! T! V
{ J-TV gets to his feet and throws his arms into the air as Robbie the Camera Guy also joins him in the ring and is getting him at all different angles. }
â---------------------------------------------
SEGMENT
1500 Word Limit
Savage By Nature provide a home delivery...
â---------------------------------------------
Terri Morasco: We need to shift gears now, and we're going to take you back to some very disturbing footage from earlier in the week as things continue to escalate involving Savage By Nature and the Kings of Flight.
Vasco Dias: I'm intrigued.
{ Footage begins to roll of Stephen Terrella, Portia and the Black Widow approaching the front door of a very expensive looking home in a rather affluent neighborhood. They stop on the front porch, where the Black Widow notices the ring cam. She squats down, looking directly into the camera for a moment, realizing full well she is being filmed. Portia scans the street, looking for passing cars or people as Stephen Terrella sets his feet to swing a sledgehammer against the door. }
Portia: It's clear, babe. Go.
{ The Widow holds up her hand, signaling for Stephen to wait. }
The Black Widow: You don't need to do that. He knows we're here. He's watching us, I can feel it.
Stephen Terrella: How in the fuck do you know that?
The Black Widow: He knows he's alone, and outnumbered. It's what a predator would try to do. Watch.
{ Brandy stands up to gently turn the knob on the front door, and gives it a gentle push open. }
The Black Widow: Rich people don't leave their front doors unlocked. Told you, Charlie's here.
Stephen Terrella: Then let's go pay this motherfucker a visit.
The Black Widow: Ladies first.
{ The Black Widow steps through the door frame, entering the home before Terrella has the chance to answer. Stephen tells Portia to "stay close", and they follow Brandy into the lavish home. Brandy takes a few steps into the living room, picking up a framed picture of a much younger Charlie with his family. She scans the room, noticing a lack of pictures of the family together on the walls now. Stephen and Portia walk past her, to the center of the room. }
Stephen Terrella: Where the fuck is this prickâŠ
Portia: Do you think they have one of those panic rooms?
Stephen Terrella: Maybe.
{ The Black Widow sets the picture down. }
The Black Widow: Charlie, we know you're here! Come out and play with us!
{ Savage By Nature's attention is drawn to the sound of someone whistling; and that someone is Charlie Van Ruth, casually walking down a staircase, armed with a fire poker. }
Charlie Van Ruth: Looking for me?
{ The Black Widow eyes Charlie, unintimidated by the heavy metal weapon he has in his hand. Terrella throws his sledgehammer up onto his shoulder, clearly wanting Charlie to see what he is holding as well. }
Stephen Terrella: I told your ass I was going to put you in the dirt, Van Ruth. I meant it. Why don't you go on and call your Mom and Dad out, or you going to make us find them after we finish with yoâ
{ Suddenly, Terrella feels a terrible pain rocket up his spine, and the sound of Portia screaming hits his ears as his body is knocked to the floor by a heavy piece of lumber breaking over his back. Tyson Everest takes what is left of the wood and chases Portia back as Charlie Van Ruth rushes the Black Widow with the fire poker. Charlie strikes Brandy once in the arm, and a second time in the back as she tries to retreat. Stephen tries to stand, but Tyson Everest starts to kick and stomp away at him with a ruthless aggression after having spent the last few weeks on the shelf with a head injury suffered at the hands of Savage By Nature. Charlie jams the handle of the fire poker into Brandy's midsection, and then tosses her over the back of a fancy looking chair. She lands on the floor beside Stephen, completely disoriented from the spill. Recollecting the curb stomp that that drove his face into a concrete floor covered with glass, Tyson looks for some payback on the woman that dealt itâ grabbing Brandy around her waist, and delivering a deadlift German suplex that drives her through the glass coffee table in the middle of the room. Covered in cuts and blood, Cvetkova lays in the wreckage kicking her leg as she clutches her neck. }
{ Terrella gets up and rushes Charlie Van Ruth, driving Charlie through the front door of the home with a thunderous crash! Both men tumble to the ground in front of the home as what is left of the door hangs from a busted frame. Tyson Everest comes racing out, but Terrella throws a handful of mulch into Tyson's eyes! Stephen gets to his feet, very unsteady in his stance. Tyson tries to clear his eyes as Terrella rips the top off of a bird bath in the yard. He heaves the heavy piece of concrete at Van Ruth, narrowly missing connecting with the blow that could have been the end of Charlie. Van Ruth stands, arms wide, yelling at Terrella as some of the neighbors begin to emerge from their homes at the sound of all the commotion. Portia comes running out of the house and smashes a glass vase against the back of Tyson's head, knocking him to the ground. Stephen lunges for Charlie, tackling him to the ground. Terrella starts to rain down left hands on Charlie, and Van Ruth struggles against the onslaught. Charlie has the presence of mind to feel around above his head, however, and his hand stumbles onto a rock. Van Ruth grabs the rock and busts Stephen in the side of the head with it! Terrella goes down into the grass, and Charlie climbs on top of Stephen and starts fishing out some punches of his own to Terrella. }
{ Brandy staggers through the front door of the home, covered in blood as she leans her shoulder against the frame to support herself. She has the sledgehammer Stephen had been carrying on the way in dragging the ground beside her. She notices the flashing red and blue lights rapidly coming down the street as police cars arrive on the scene. Uniformed officers jump out of the cars, first subduing Tyson Everest and Portia and placing them in handcuffs. The Black Widow can hardly walk, but manages to make it out of the house. She places her hands behind her back, almost laughing as a female officer places her in handcuffs. The hot-tempered Van Ruth, and the surly Terrella won't separate, despite officers' warningsâ and both are eventually hit with tasers to put an end to the brawl. The footage abruptly ends there, and the viewer is returned to a shot of Terri Morasco and Vasco Dias sitting at the announce table. }
Vasco Dias: Is bail money considered a company expense, Morasco?
Terri Morasco: That question is probably better asked of Fowler, Cook or Haynes; but they already seem to have a full plate. This war between Savage By Nature and the Kings of Flight has gotten completely out of hand though! They are literally fighting in the streets of neighborhoods now like rabid animals! When does this end?!
Vasco Dias: It may never end, I don't know. Hatred feels almost too light of a word to describe how they feel about each other.
â---------------------------------------------
SINGLES MATCH
2000 Word Limit
Allen Chaney vs. Logan Sky
â---------------------------------------------
{ The Richard Pryor quote followed by the piano intro of âShimmy Shimmy Yaâ plays and Allen emerges from the curtain. }
âOoh, baby, I like it raw x4â
{ 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 squadâ
{ 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. }
âWu-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. }
Terri Morasco: This is gonna be a fun matchup as Allen gets set to go one-on-one with Logan Sky.
Vasco Dias: This is gonna be brutal to watch...
{ As one of the most iconic riffs in Rock history starts to pump out from the speakers, Logan walks out onto the stage, soaking in the crowd's reactions. He moves to each side of the stage, throwing his arms up to try and rile the crowd up for the impending match.
He marches down the ramp, head bobbing from side to side before he climbs the stairs, wiping his feet on the apron before he steps through the ropes. Then he moves to each side of the ring, shouting at the crowd to pump them up. }
[DING!]
{ Pink Loafters, on loan to IWF from Fiona's fledgling independent promotion, was assigned this contest as a way to honor Women's History Month. She oversaw a hard-hitting, fast-paced contest that lasted just under fifteen minutes, and there were no shortage of close finishes to boot. Early on, Logan Sky would gain the upper hand as we approached the 6:00 mark, spiking Cheney to the mat with a tornado DDT for a two-count! As we hit 8:25, Allen took the advantage when Sky missed on a diving headbutt, eventually connecting with a swinging neckbreaker and a two-count of his own. As we hit the eleventh minute, Allen has Logan in the corner and is pounding on him with rights and lefts, leading Pink Loafers to call for the break! Yet Logan caught Cheney with a right forearm before sending his opponent for the ride! Allen bounces off the strands and ducks underneath of a clothesline, then fires back with a pair of standing dropkicks! With Sky against the ropes, Allen rushes in with a flying forearm -- but Logan ducked out of the way, causing Cheney's shot to accidentally smack Pink Loafers and send her flying over the top strand head over heels! She takes a nasty spill on the outside, landing on her head!
Vasco Dias: There goes the referee! That's gonna end her tryout in infamy...
Terri Morasco: And Allen looks like he's about to rearrange some furniture!
Vasco Dias: He's gotta understand that there are RULES in this match as Blue Shoes steps in and takes over officiating chores...
{ Indeed, Blue Shoes comes in and reminds "The Comedian" that he's not gonna tolerate any hardcore antics, no matter how funny they might be to him!Logan capitalizes on the unintended distraction and hammers Cheny with his patented seven-punch combination, follwed by an albow smash before going for the dover! }
1...!
2....!!
THREEEEEE--KICKOUT!!!!
{ Blue Shoes holds up the dreaded two fingers! Logan can't believe he couldn't put his opponent away but decides to continue the attack! Yet as Sky tries to place Allen into the falcon arrow combination he calls "The Deal," "The Comedian" squirms out of trouble and counters with a scoop slam! He then proceeds to climb up to the top buckle and curb stomps Logan -- a move that he dubs Heckler Control! }
Vasco Dias: Oww!
Terri Morasco: This should do it!
{ At 14:30, Allen Cheny goes for the cover... }
1...!
2...!!
THREEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[DING-DING-DING!!!]
Alison Valance: Here is your winner..."The Comedian"...ALLEN CHEEEENEEEYYYYY!!!!!
{ "Shimmy Shimmy Ya" plays once again as Allen Cheney celebrates his victory! He looks up at the Roulette 2024 banner that hangs from the ceiling, perhaps setting his sights on something bigger! }
â---------------------------------------------
SEGMENT
2000 Word Limit
The Murder celebrate April's entry into the Iron Maiden... but are joined by East Wind and Shea O'Hara.
â---------------------------------------------
Vasco Dias: And now we move on to the best part of the evening, the celebration!
Terri Morasco: Celebration? Celebration of what?
{The lights throughout the arena flicker and go black, with several of the lights around the entrance seeming to overload, sending sparks flying down the stage. One by one, the screens flicker back to life showing a harvest moon hanging in a cloudy sky as the sound of fluttering wings and screaming crows fills the building. The screens soon swarm with the silhouettes of these birds, drowning out the moon and filling the arena once more in darkness as the opening strings of âThe Devilâs Gonna Comeâ by Raphael Lake & Royal Baggs begins to play.
âThe Broken and Fallen, dangled souls been sent to burn,
Nowadays they been calling, telling me soon itâs gonna be my turnâŠâ
A dark red spotlight hits the stage, revealing four figures standing in a wedge - Brooklyn in front with April Madrox on one side of her and Vivienne Rodgers with Mai Everstone on the other. They stand together, in stillness before Brooklyn raises a hand and snaps her fingers, igniting lines of flame down the sides of the entrance ramp before leading the advance with confident, inevitable certainty.
âNow I know⊠the Devilâs gonna come when the sun goes downâŠâ
The four of them surround the ring, Brooklyn stepping into the center as the other three take to its corners. Red light and smoke fills the ringside as the four of them glare into the audience or their victims within before they join together in the middle of the ring, each of them raising a hand into the air. As one, the hands clench into fists as the house lights return to normal.}
Terri Morasco: OhâŠ
Vasco Dias: Shut up Morasco. Things are getting started.
{Brooklyn grabs a microphone.}
Brooklyn Madrox: Tonight, we want to celebrate something really special. And while we could have done this privately.
Vivienne Rodgers: I mean, we kinda did.
Brooklyn Madrox: But now is the moment I really want to celebrate what transpired last week.
{Brooklyn and Vivienne snap together and streamers fall from the ceiling. April gasps as it rains down around her. Mai stands off to the side and claps.}
Brooklyn Madrox: Ladies and gentlemen, family, friends, and assorted peasants who find themselves in the presence of greatness.
{The crowd doesnât like the sound of this}
Brooklyn Madrox: Today is a momentous occasion as I stand before you, to acknowledge the triumph of my dear younger sister, April. You are the first person to earn your spot into the Iron Maiden this year. It will be your first time entering and I have no doubt you are going to come into that event with a display that will make us all proud. I know youâll win that match too and go on to face the bane of everyoneâs existence, Jennie Fenix.
{April blushes and beams}
Brooklyn Madrox: Now, I also, grudgingly, acknowledge that April was part of a team. This achievement was technically a group effort.
{April looks a little nervous about where this is going. Vivienne and Mai simply stand by.}
Brooklyn Madrox: Her partner was Charlotte Shimizu. So, Charlotte, enjoy your fleeting moment in the spotlight, relish in the applause from those who know no better, and bask in the glory that April has so graciously allowed you to borrow for a moment.
April Madrox: Brooklyn, I know you and Charlotte arenât like on the best terms but come onâŠ
{The Imperialtron lights up with Charlotte Shimizuâs red sun rising over water as the opening guitar riff of MYTH & ROIDâs âTit For Tatâ cuts April off. The woman herself appears at the top of the ramp as the intro chorus starts}
âWeâre shouting Oh Yeah Oh Yeah Oh Yeah!
For the Glory! Oh Yeah Oh Yeah Oh Yeah!â
{Charlotte keeps her eyes fixed on the women in the ring. In one hand is a microphone, in the other a loosely rolled scroll of paper. She makes a short gesture as the opening chorus ends and her music fades out.}
Charlotte Shimizu: No no, April⊠This is about what I expected from your sister. Please⊠Do continue with rewriting history, Brooklyn. Iâm interested to hear if youâll be able to explain away that I got the pin⊠Perhaps thatâs why you wanted to cause a scene last week, Brooklyn? So that April couldnât celebrate the win with me then? To give yourself time to rework it in that fucked-up head of yours to make it so only April won, maybe even make it so I never tagged in. Oh⊠but of course I still made some unwarranted attack on Mai⊠Tell me Brooklyn⊠Is your newest follower just as fragile and incapable of taking a bump as April?
Mai Everstone: Hey! Iâm not Fragile, thank you very much. If you want me to prove it right now I will!
Charlotte Shimizu: {laughing} Oh honey⊠I know it. But Iâm wondering if Brooklyn does. After all, she likes to play mother hen, doesnât she? She wants to wrap yâall up in cotton swaddling to keep yâall âsafeâ.
{Brooklyn extends an arm outward, cutting off Mai as she takes a step forward}
Brooklyn Madrox: I donât think you want to see what Maiâs capable of, itâd be a shame for her to get suspended so soon after rejoining. But hold on, because something you said a second ago felt like it was giving me a small aneurysm. Rewriting history? What history? You come out here talking a big game and thinking that youâre ready to put your big girl pants on but face facts, girlie. You are not on my level. Youâre not a Jennie, not a Shea, not an Eternity, and youâre certainly not a Virginia. Youâre just a little girl who thinks that she can punch up because she was a big deal overseas. Newsflash, nobody cares about your E. Honda company or this little spat that youâve dreamed up in your mind. Youâre a gnat Charlotte; nothing more and nothing less. Now, if you donât have anything constructive to add to Aprilâs celebration I think itâs time for you to leave.
Charlotte Shimizu: {with a scoffing snort} Thatâs rich coming from the woman who called me out after Queenâs Gambit and then couldnât even follow through with her words. You couldnât put me through a table then, and you certainly wonât be able to now. I could pick your delusions about me apart right here⊠I honestly find it kinda funny that everyone seems to be forgetting that I already got a three-count on Virginia⊠And again⊠Youâre making this huge production of celebrating now⊠But I have to ask⊠April, girly⊠Did your sister tell you why she wouldnât let you stay last week to celebrate then? I was ready to raise your hand with mine because I know damned well I wouldnâta won without you⊠I brought you this to make up for that.
{She holds up the scroll, the gold cord securing it in a roll and red feather plainly visible. She then sets it on the ramp before her before taking a step back from it.}
Charlotte Shimizu: But I gotta know⊠are you drinkinâ her Kool Aid, April? Do you really think you coulda won without me?
{Vivienne looked sympathetic to the friendly gesture but didnât say anything. Mai looked between April and Charlotte, waiting to see what would happen.}
Brooklyn Madrox: The funny thing âŠ
{Charlotte cuts her off, waving her hand as though dismissing Brooklyn.}
Charlotte Shimizu: No no no. I was talkinâ to April. You, Miss White Bread with Mayo, donât get to answer my question for her.
{Brooklyn smiles while her eyes tell a different story}
Brooklyn Madrox: Right, anyway ⊠funny thing about multi-woman matches is that I donât need to put YOU through anything to get the win. You should look at the fact that I found Dawn Warren to be less of a threat than you as a compliment, but either way, itâs been nearly two months and youâre still clinging to that match like itâs some kind of personal affront that I didnât bury you in a pile of splinters. That match seems to mean so much to you that youâve built up all this bile and hatred for me and my sisters here. But truthfully, Charlotte, that was just another Tuesday for me. So while you may think that I sit around at night thinking about you, I donât. But, I do appreciate all the free real estate that youâve apparently given me in your head. I guess it really is all about location, location, location after all.
{Brooklyn smirks as Mai comments to Vivienne}
Mai Everstone: ABC - âAlways Beating Charlotteâ
{April continues to look uncomfortable but moves beside her sister, holding her hand out for the microphone. Brooklyn, not taking her eyes off of Charlotte, hands it over.}
April Madrox: Okay, I think everyone needs to take a deep breath here and relax. Charlotte, thank you for whatever that is. And, as a show of good faith âŠ
{April walks forward and steps through the ropes, climbing down from the ring apron and begins walking up the ramp}
April Madrox: Iâm going to come and accept your gift.
{April reaches down and lifts the gilded scroll with her left hand}
April Madrox: I like you Charlotte, I do, but while last week was a joint victory. You said it yourself; you wouldnât have gotten that pin without me pulling aggro on the outside. But, to answer your question about whether or not I could have won that match without you ⊠the only way weâre going to find out is if we wait and see what happens at the Iron Maiden.
{Charlotte shakes her head, her shoulders sagging and disappointment clear even to those in the nosebleeds.}
Charlotte Shimizu: You already know the answer to my question. You just wonât say it⊠Enjoy the Kool-
{Vivienne sighs}
Vivienne Rodgers: Bored now.
{Vivienne pops out of the ring and marches up the ramp towards April, passing the younger Madrox and super kicking a surprised-looking Charlotte in the chest.
As the kick connects, Rini and Shea emerge without any pageantry, and whilst Rini rushes to check on her partner, Shea and Viv come face to face. The two best friends have an intense stare-down as the crowd is buzzing in anticipation of what they expect will soon come to blows.}
Vivienne Rodgers: Take her and go.
{The show of mercy clearly surprises Shea who nods and helps Rini get Charlotte back to her feet. Shea momentarily confers with East Wind, imparting that a tactical retreat may indeed be the wisest option, but she leaves the ultimate decision up to the headstrong Charlotte.}
{Charlotteâs eyes flash from her friends to April and Vivienne, then nods her head slightly in Sheaâs direction to accept the advice, but her eyes remain fixed on Aprilâs face. Then she jerks her chin at April, indicating the scroll of thick paper in Aprilâs hand.}
Charlotte Shimizu: Find your own translator.
{April, her hand on Vivienneâs shoulder watches as Shea and East Wind make their way back through the curtain, Charlotteâs gift still clutched against her chest.}
â---------------------------------------------
ROULETTE EXHIBITION
âLONE STARâ GAUNTLET MATCH
2000 Word Limit
If Cyrus Daniels wins he will be able to select his Roulette entry number whilst the Spencers get the first four entries. If The Spencers win, they get four spots in the last ten entries whilst Cyrus gets the first entry.
Cyrus Daniels vs. The Spencers (Ricky, Jeb, Spencer & Bucky)
â---------------------------------------------
{A row of three beige steel chairs are set up at ringside, to the right of the ramp way for the main event match of the evening. We focus on Alison Valance in the middle of the ring. Stood at the side of the commentary booth is a stoic hooded figure in a mask, arms folded across their chest. Vascoâs personal company mandated protection, a legion representative.}
Alison Valance: Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time for your main event of the evening. The following contest is a special four vs one Roulette exhibition gauntlet match. The match will continue until all possible opponents have been eliminated. The winner or winners will secure preferential Roulette entry for themselves.
Vasco Dias: Well, Terri, they do say that everything is bigger here in Texas, and in a genius booking move, Mr Verona has made sure that that is true in this match. This âLone Starâ gauntlet match promises to be the biggest Prison Yard ass whooping weâve ever seen, as a rejuvenated and refocused Cyrus Daniels makes his official in-ring return here tonight.
Terri Morasco: Impartial as ever, I see Vasco. This match certainly has huge implications for this yearâs Roulette Match. All five men have already been entered, but what is still unclear is the order in which they will enter the annual 30 Man extravaganza.
Vasco Dias: Well, this match will go some way in clearing things up in that regard. If The Spencers win, they will all enter at random in the last third of the match, whilst Cyrus Daniels will be forced to enter first. However, when Cyrus Daniels wins, he will be able to choose his entry number from 5 to 30, as the first four spots will automatically go to the Spencers.
{"Man In The Box" by Like A Storm hits. Cyrus Daniels walks to the ring with a purpose and a length of chain draped around his neck. Cyrus looks out at the sea of free people around the arena with a noticeable look of disdain.}
Alison Valance: Introducing first, weighing 327 lbs, hailing from Queensland, Australia, CYRUS DANIELS!
{Cyrus Daniels uses the ropes to pull himself onto the apron and step over the ropes and into the ring. Cyrus walks to the centre of the ring, looking at the crowd but he seems disinterested in engaging with them on any level, he just wants the match to start as he removes the chain and hands it off to a stagehand.}
Terri Morasco: This is quite a different Cyrus Daniels than the last time we saw him, five years ago. He has since been forging a reputation as a certified killer in boxing and MMA and has already declared his intention to do the same in professional wrestling right here in IWF.
Vasco Dias: He certainly is Terri. There is a renewed energy about him that I donât think weâve ever seen before, and if I were a betting man, Iâd wager that it has everything to do with a certain member of The MurderâŠ
Terri Morasco: I donât like to speculate on peopleâs personal associations, but yes Iâve heard the gossip that Vivienne Rodgers is engaged yet again. Even if this one goes nowhere, Miss Rodgers is certainly proving that she has a type and hasnât learned the lessons she should have from previous relationships.
Vasco Dias: Wow Terri, I didnât know you were that against relationshipsâŠ
Terri Morasco: Healthy relationships between well adjusted people I have no problem with, relationships with toxic and abusive individuals however, thatâs a different storyâŠ
}The lights go out. A bell toll focuses us on a single large flame burning above the entrance way. A second bell tolls make two more smaller flames appear in the darkness, one either side of the first. A third bell toll adds another two, either side of the three. The family of five flames now complete, bathes the arena in a soft orange glow. Under the glow of these five flames, the third of which is most prominent, the four Spencer brothers congregate in the entrance way. Furthest left is Spencer, next to him is Buck. Next to Buck is Jeb and furthest right is Ricky. The lyrics of PIGâs âThe Diamond Sinners (SKOLD Remix)" accompany the tolling bells and drums as Bucky and Jeb are the first to walk forward together. Ricky and Spencer are just a couple of steps behind. The sold out San Antonio crowd gives the home boys a big Texas ovation, the clear favourites in this match.}
Alison Valance: And his opponents, hailing from The Bayou, South Texas, THE SPENCERS!
{At the bottom of the ramp, Bucky leads Spencer and Jeb to take their seats at ringside. When the three are settled, Bucky nods to an apprehensive Jeb who hesitates getting in the ring too quickly with Cyrus to start the match. The lights return to normal and the music fades.}
Vasco Dias: The Spencers might be out here as a united front here tonight, but under the strict rules of a gauntlet match, each of them must face Cyrus one on one for each successive fall to count. Failure to do so would mean they forfeit the match and give Cyrus every advantage whilst dooming themselves to the first four spots in The Roulette.
Terri Morasco: Yes, it is important to remember that whilst The Spencers have a clear numbers advantage in this match, it is not a handicap match and if Cyrus wants to secure victory here tonight, heâs essentially going to have to run the gauntlet and have four successive singles matches back to back with no rest periods between rounds as he might be used to in Boxing and MMA.
Vasco Dias: And that Terri might just be the only real advantage that The Spencers have here tonightâŠtheir only hope in my opinion is to hope each match causes Cyrus to wear himself out long enough for one of them to take advantage.
{The official waits for Jeb to get in the ring before signaling for the bell to start the match. Jeb tries to use his speed and smaller stature to his advantage, circling Cyrus quicker and ducking Cyrusâ first few strike attempts. After the third evasion, Jeb takes a step back and tries a super kick, but Cyrus catches Jebâs leg easily, and he legsweeps Jeb off his feet.
Cyrus then drops into a mount and starts reigning heavy hammer blows to Jebâs head and face, busting him open the hard way. The crimson mask starts to obscure Jebâs features. Cyrus making Jeb pay for trying to be clever about ducking and evading him.}
Terri Morasco: Jeb has been busted open by Cyrusâ bare hands!
Vasco Dias: Now Cyrus has Jeb right where he wants, heâs going to have his way with the young man. Itâs what they do in the big house, Terri!
{Jebâs three brothers can do very little except plead with the official to intervene. For the sake of variety, Cyrus grabs Jebâs throat and chokes him with one hand. This only serves to work in Cyrusâ favour, as the referee is now too distracted to do anything about the blatantly illegal choke.}
Terri Morasco: And now Cyrus is choking him, Cyrus should be disqualified!
Vasco Dias: Maybe he would be if Jebâs idiotic brothers would stop distracting the referee!
{By the time, the official is refocused on the match, a winded Jeb has no response as Cyrus peels the smaller man easily off the canvas, lifting him up for a chokeslam. Cyrus then holds Jeb up in one hand firmly, spinning himself around so heâs facing Bucky. Cyrus then draws a thumb across his throat whilst having eyes locked with Bucky.}
Vasco Dias: Cyrus sending a very clear message here!
Terri Morasco: Specifically to Buck Spencer, it looks like! Look at the power! Jeb is helpless!
{Cyrus then plants Jeb into the canvas with a devastating single handed chokeslam.}
Vasco Dias: What a devastating Conviction!
Terri Morasco: What a mauling this has been. I can only hope itâs over!
{Now Cyrus is amused, as he places a boot on Jebâs throat, pinning Jebâs shoulders to the mat. It is all academic from here as the referee counts the threeâŠ}
Alison Valiance: JEB SPENCER HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!
Vasco Dias: Well, you got your wish Terri, it is overâŠfor Jeb!
{Cyrus doesnât seem entirely satisfied though and picks Jeb up for another chokeslam, walking him over to the ropes and he dumps Jeb out of the ring very deliberately, as if he was eliminating him from the Roulette. A clear declaration of his ultimate intent.
Cyrus laughs at his own handiwork.}
Vasco Dias: Cyrus Daniels just made an example out of Jeb Spencer!
Terri Morasco: And now heâs laughing about it!
{Whilst Cyrus is admiring his elimination of Jeb, Bucky enters the ring and tries clubbing the big man in the back with some stiff forearm shots. They have little effect however as Cyrus bats Bucky away.}
Terri Morasco: Here comes Bucky, trying to catch the big Aussie off guard!
Vasco Dias: Yeah, trying and failing!
{Cyrus then turns around, and Bucky tries to strike the big man head on, but Cyrus grabs Buckyâs wrist and twists it behind his back, before kicking Bucky in the back of his bad right ankle. Cyrus didnât seem the type to study his opponents, so Bucky was forced to conclude that Vivienne had likely told him as he yet out a yelp of pain. Bucky crumbled, but Cyrus was merciless in his next few moves.
Cyrus scooped Bucky off the mat with a release German Suplex, a move he repeated a dozen times with little Bucky could do against the man who was a foot taller and over 100 pounds bigger than him. It was obvious Cyrus was in complete control of the situation and was just prolonging his opponentâs agony. Cyrus took a break from bouncing Bucky around the ring with multiple and successive Release Germans by stomping on Buckyâs ankle a few times.}
Terri Morasco: Adding insult to injury here!
Vasco Dias: How many Germans does it take to put down a Spencer? As many as Cyrus says it does!
Ricky is still helping Jeb regain his bearings on the outside. Spencer meanwhile inadvertently distracts the referee. Ever the sadist, Cyrus left the ring and dragged Bucky by his injured foot to a nearby ring post and slammed Buckyâs right leg into it. Buckyâs agonising scream was music to Cyrusâ ears. He then grabbed Buckyâs good leg as well and dragged him crotch first into the post. âThatâs for Kitten,â he spat at Bucky.}
Terri Morasco: Enough is enough, damn it!
Vasco Dias: If this continues, The Spencers might not even make it to the Roulette at all. Once again the Spencers causing a stink at ringside trying to help are doing more harm than good to their chances.
{Cyrus took his time to enter the ring again, savouring his torment of Bucky. When he did finally decide heâd had his fun, Cyrus applied a leg bar and heel hook, demonstrating not only his MMA experience but also he knew Bucky could not last in the submission without risking another permanent injury. Bucky tapped instantly.}
Alison Valance: BUCK SPENCER HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!
{Bucky is quickly pulled by Spencer out of the ring before Cyrus can do any more harm to his brother, like he did Jeb who is now sat at ringside, being tended to by a crew of stagehands and EMTs. Bucky leans on his big brother as he is escorted to his seat at ringside. Bucky is clearly limping, but Ricky has little time to be concerned with that as he has the more immediate concern of being up next in the gauntlet.
Ricky is clearly more than a little apprehensive, but this too works in Cyrusâ favour, as the big man uses his next opponentâs hesitation to catch his breath and refocus. The closest heâd get to a rest period in this match.
Ricky cracks his neck to try and psyche himself up. He finally decides to just rush into the ring, looking to charge at Cyrus but the smaller man is easily cut off by a Brogue Kick. Ricky immediately goes down. Cyrus spits at Ricky on the canvas before peeling him off the mat in another impressive display of power.
With Ricky on his shoulders, Cyrus lets out a guttural roar as he spins Ricky into the air, looking to nail the Price of Freedom and it looks as if heâs got it until Ricky is just fresh enough to counter and catch Cyrus with a lightning fast Diamond Cutter out of nowhere in mid air!
The hometown crowd explodes for the youngest Spencer and believe he may be on the verge of a huge upset here. Even the usually more stoic and quiet Spencer is cheering his brother Ricky, telling him to cover!}
Terri Morasco: What a beautiful counter! Can Ricky pull off a Texas sized upset here tonight and get a measure of revenge for his fallen brothers too?
Vasco Dias: Hey, I give the kid all the credit in the world, I havenât seen that move delivered with more style and impact than right now!
{Even Ricky seems stunned that he pulled it off, he scrambles and collapses into a hasty but eager cover. The referee drops downâŠ
1âŠ2âŠRicky is launched clear across the ring as a pissed off Cyrus throws him off.}
Vasco Dias: Air Spencer! What a kick out, with authority!
Terri Morasco: Iâm not sure this will end any better for Ricky than it did for either Jeb or Bucky!
{Cyrus sits up and his eyes convey a bloody murderous intent. Ricky knows it too and takes off outside the ring. Cyrus leaves the ring and gives chase, a hunter chasing his prey around the ringside area. Ricky tries everything he can think of scrambling under the ring, just to try and get away.
Cyrus practically tears at the ring skirt in his search for his opponent. Suddenly a fire extinguisher is set off, blinding the Australian ex convict, who stumbles back a few steps. Ricky hits a superkick, but Cyrus doesnât go down, so Ricky leaps up for another Diamond Cutter and connects, this time on the outside!
The crowd explodes and even begins a âRICKYâ chant!}
Terri Morasco: Ricky with another beautiful Diamond Cutter!
Vasco Dias: Yes, but can he capitalise?
{Unfortunately for Ricky, this is not a Falls Count Anywhere contest. If he wanted to win, heâd have to find some way of lifting over 300 pounds of deadweight back into the ring to cover. Fortunately, however, whilst Bucky has a bad wheel that keeps him seated, Jeb is recovered enough to try and help. Jeb instructs Ricky to get in the ring whilst he and Spencer pick Cyrus up and roll him under the bottom rope and back into the ring.}
Vasco Dias: How is this legal?
Terri Morasco: The Spencer Family doing what they have always done, utilising their greatest virtue and working together to try and neutralise Cyrus Daniels hereâŠ
{Ricky scrambles for the cover, this time hooking the inside leg.
1âŠ2âŠCyrus kicks out, though with considerably less authority than the first time, likely owing to the fact that he has a gash on his forehead from taking the Diamond Cutter on the outside.
Cyrus reaches up and with a vice grip around Rickyâs throat rises to his feet again. With almost a roar, he then chokeslams Ricky into the canvas, to a chorus of boos.}
Terri Morasco: Conviction!
Vasco Dias: You know how they say if it bleeds, you can kill it, well, weâre about to find out how true that really is!
{Cyrus runs two fingers across his gash, looks at his own blood and then down at Ricky. Cyrus scoops him up again for a second chokeslam and then a third. He peels the baby brother of the family off the mat and hits a Time Served Military Press Powerslam, and then yanks him up by the hair. âWanna make me bleed like youâre some kinda hero, ey, mate?â
Cyrus then picks Ricky up on his shoulder and launches him headfirst into the top of the ring post, busting him open. Ricky crumbles into the corner, where Cyrus proceeds to stomp and kick him.
Spencer runs around and tries to rescue Ricky, but Cyrus yanks Ricky up before he can roll away to the safety of his big brother. In the corner, Cyrus delivers body blows, elbows and uppercuts.
Cyrus then peels a clearly dazed and bloody Ricky out of the corner, pulling him by his hair back to the centre of the ring, where Cyrus hoists him up for the Price Of FreedomâŠand a secondâŠ}
Terri Morasco: Thatâs enough, damn it!
Vasco Dias: Whatâs that saying about a wounded animal being the most vicious, Terri?
{Spencer has had enough and tries to intercept, but Cyrus sidesteps the bigger man and powers him up for a Conviction. Spencer is down. Cyrus returns his attention to Ricky who still hasnât moved.
Cyrus scoops Ricky up for a third Price of Freedom.
Now the referee intervenes, checking on Ricky and ruling that the youngest Spencer has indeed been knocked out and is unable to continue. This is signaled to the announcer who makes the official callâŠ}
Alison Valance: RICKY SPENCER HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!
{Birdie Winston comes bolting down the ramp, her siblings and Abby Spencer all trying to stop her but before sheâs really thought it through, she comes face to face with Cyrus Daniels, she tried to slap him but he swats her arm away before pulling her by her pretty blonde hair into the centre of the ring.
He then kicks her in the gut and hoists her up and delivers a devastating Lethal Injection Last Ride powerbomb, laying Birdie out next to her beloved fiancé. Cyrus almost dares the other Winston siblings to try something, but Bucky and Jeb are doing the best they can to avoid making the chaos any worse.}
Terri Morasco: Good God, somebody needs to get things back under control here, hard to believe but weâve still got a match in progress!
Vasco Dias: The most physical match for Cyrus is still in this match!
{In his amusement, Cyrus seems to have overlooked Spencer who has recovered from the earlier Conviction chokeslam and now spins Cyrus around into one of his own.
Cyrus goes down much to the delight of San Antonio, Spencer tries for a cover, but unfortunately the referee is now trying to deal with the Winstons and the Spencers all at ring side. }
Terri Morasco: Cyrus gets a taste of his own medicine!
Vasco Dias: The coverâŠSpencer has this won!
{Spencer reluctantly lets go of the cover and tries to get the official to focus on the match again. Whilst Spencer is making his case, Cyrus low kicks the giant between his legs, behind the refereeâs back.}
Terri Morasco: That damn snake fighting dirty again, not for the first time Cyrus should be disqualified!
Vasco Dias: If the official didnât see it, it didnât happen, thatâs pro wrestling 101, Terri!
{Spencer is then kneed in the head by Cyrus, who proceeds to pull him away from the ropes before locking in a Solitary Confinement Triangle Choke. Spencer tries to hold on as best and for as long as he can, but ultimately Cyrusâ MMA experience wins the day.
The referee returns just in time to raise Spencerâs arm onceâŠtwiceâŠthree times.
The bell is called for, Spencer is out and Cyrus has triumphed. He now gets to secure his number and call his exact shot in the Roulette.}
Alison Valance: HERE IS YOUR WINNERâŠ.CYRUS DANIELS!
{The parting shot of this match is Abigail on the outside staring at Cyrus as the sole surviving member of her family not to be caught up in Cyrusâ path here tonight. He winks at her and smiles, amused by her anger and frustration.}
â---------------------------------------------
SEGMENT
2000 Word Limit
Jess Fowler announces Jennie Fenix's next challenger.
â---------------------------------------------
{ After a huge main event we cut immediately backstage to a corporate office where we join Roberto Verona, flanked again by his Legion, and Jess Fowler who stand in front of a replica of the IWF Womenâs World Championship complete with pictures of former champions. }
Roberto Verona: I hope everybody enjoyed this weekâs episode of SacrificeâŠ
{ The crowd cheers. }
Roberto Verona: But we made you a promise last week that Miss Fowler here simply must fulfilâŠ
{ Verona smiles at Jess. }
Roberto Verona: For the benefit of everybody at home, of course.
{ Jess nods nervously. }
Jess Fowler: Following Jennie Fenixâs victory at Metamorphosis she has been⊠insistent, that she is presented with a challenge so she can prove herself as champion. Regrettably, the situation surrounding the Iron Maiden had derailed my attentionâŠ
Roberto Verona: ButâŠ
Jess Fowler: But I always recognise the importance of showcasing our greatest prize in womenâs professional wrestling. Whilst the next generation of contender is yet to be decided at High Stakes, itâs only fitting that we also determine the champion they will face. I respect Miss Fenixâs eagerness to prove her worth as champion and after much deliberation I have determined a worthy challenge which may define⊠or end her reign.
{ Jess stands up confidently, much to Veronaâs delight. }
Jess Fowler: At High Stakes, Jennie Fenix will faceâŠ
{ Jess looks at Verona. }
Jess Fowler: The.. new Co-Head of the Performance Centre and Hall of Famer, Jessica Reed!
{ The crowd pops as Jess walks into shot and shakes Fowlerâs hand. }
Jessica Reed: Thank you Miss Fowler, Iâm so excited for the opportunity, I wonât let you down!
Roberto Verona: And in the spirit of comradery, Iâm pleased to announce that your colleague Bob Pooler will accompany you to ringside to solidify your working relationship.
Jess Fowler: I donâtâŠ
{ Verona looks at Fowler who laughs nervously. }
Jess Fowler: Know why I didnât come up with that idea myself! I guess thatâs why youâre the bossâŠ
Roberto Verona: You asked, Fenix, and we have provided. I expect the best from both of you. Now, Miss Fowler, you and I need to discuss the Iron MaidenâŠ
{ Roberto looks directly at the camera crew. }
Roberto Verona: In private.
{ Suddenly the camera drops as we see the legs of Verona, Fowler and the Legion marching off camera as our show suddenly fades to black and the IWF copyright logo appears. }
Well howdy there pardner.