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SHOW OPEN
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{ Heart of a Champion by Hollywood Undead plays as we are brought the opening intro to IWF Odyssey! The camera pans around the jam packed arena and the screaming fans before we get a shot of the commentary booth Rayne and Iyo Kenshin!}
Iyo Kenshin: Welcome everybody to another episode of Odyssey, we have an amazing show in store for you this evening!
Rayne: We have some contract signing as well as a championship match.
Iyo Kenshin: We get to see J-Tv continue.
Rayne: We also get to figure out the iron maiden finally!
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SEGMENT
1500 Word Limit
Savage By Nature's attorney conducts a public interview after their clients are released on bail.
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{ A rather sleazy looking man, dressed in a rack suit, stands outside of a building, facing a group of reporters. }
Arthur Ness: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen of the press. My name is Arthur Ness, and I am part of the law firm of Ness and Ness, alongside my brother, Phillip.
{ Arthur points to a sign in front of the building, reading A. Ness & P. Ness, attorneys at law. }
Arthur Ness: There is no case too big, or any case too small, for our firm!
{ Arthur clears his throat. }
Arthur Ness: Now as many of you may know, we are representing Stephen Terrella and Brandy Cvetkova against the allegations of assault and criminal trespass. I, however, maintain that our clients are innocent of all charges. When they entered the Van Ruth home, they did so believing they had an invitation. The door of a coworkers -not a stranger's, mind you- family home was open; and neither Ms. Cvetkova or Mr. Terrella was advised to leave before being assaulted themselves. They acted out of self defense, concerned for their own safety when threatened by two men that I, personally feel, are deranged sociopaths. Now some of you may have questionsā¦
{ A young lady raises her hand, and Arthur invites her question. }
Ophelia Payne: Hi. Yes, my name is Ophelia Payne, and I'm with the Wrestling Spectator. The video we all saw would seem to contradict your words. What would you say to the people that believe Mr. Terrella and Ms. Cvetkova are guilty?
Arthur Ness: Guilty?! I assure you this was a simple misunderstanding that turned needlessly violent after the actions of Mr. Van Ruth and Mr. Everest.
Ophelia Payne: Mr. Terrella does have prior convictions for violent offenses though, doesn't he?
Arthur Ness: I prefer to classify those as misunderstandings, as wellā because that is what they were. Next questionā¦
{ An older man in the back raises his hand, and the attorney acknowledges him. }
Jacques Strap: Jacques Strap, with PWWF.com. Will we see your clients on television this week?
{ Arthur flashes a grin. }
Arthur Ness: Great question, Mr. Strap. No, I have advised my clients not to show up for work this week even though all charges have been dropped. Any other questions?
{ A young man pipes in. }
Colin Forsecs: Colin Forsecs, with Wrestling Star. If the charges have been dropped, are you still representing Mr. Terrella and Ms. Cvetkova?
{ Arthur laughs at the question. }
Arthur Ness: Of course! I understand my clients have a dangerous job, but they were still heinously assaulted outside the confines of a wrestling ring. Ms. Cvetkova may have lost three gallons of blood. That causes a great deal of mental anguish, and they deserve to be compensated accordingly for their suffering. If the home had been made to be safer, perhaps she wouldn't have suffered so.
Colin Forsecs: That sounds suspiciously like a play for a piece of the Van Ruth family fortune.
Arthur Ness: I will not dignify that accusation with a response. As a matter of fact, this interview is now over. Thank you for the questions, and good day.
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SINGLES MATCH
2000 Word Limit
Jason "J-TV" Hathaway vs. Logan Sky
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{ 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. }
Iyo Kenshin: Logan Sky set to do battle against the man dubbed "J-TV!"
Rayne: You'd think a well-rounded journeyman like Logan would stand a chance against a YouTube influencer...
{ James Gilmore is at the announcer's desk for this match. He's sporting a godawful-looking pink suit as his way of celebrating Women's History Month -- not to mention a nod to the suits worn by late sportscaster Craig Sager. }
James Gilmore: Hey, as I always tell the prospects I train: if ya put your mind to somethin' and pour your heart out for it, you can accomplish somethin' far more than simply puttin' somethin' in a trophy case.
Rayne: Oh, how cliche is that...?!
Iyo Kenshin: Stop it, Rayne! JJ's got a valid point...
"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. }
"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. }
Iyo Kenshin: JJ, you've been looking forward to seeing Jason Hathaway in person for a while!
James Gilmore: Indeed, I have. What we have here is a dude that can strike just as well as keep opponents on the ground, but I've been very impressed with his showmanship so far. In my opinion, it's an art that's been lost to the more efficient, ground-'n'-pound style we've gotten used to seein'.
Rayne: Puh-leeze, I prefer stomping guts out than dancin' around in a ring.
James Gilmore: Ya know, gettin' over with a crowd means so much more than just usin' your fists.
[DING!]
{ Tommy Knocker was given the chore of officiating this match, and it was quite the entertaining tilt that lasted nearly thirteen minutes. Both men traded strikes and moves with one another early on, with neither gaining a distinct advantage throughout the first six minutes or so. At around 7:15, Jason Hathaway was able to gain the upper hand, nailing Logan Sky with several hard, clubbing rights and lefts to the chops! He begins using closed fists, but the zebra just lets it slide much to Logan's chagrin! Eventually, J-TV connects with a stalling suplex for a two-count -- only to start wasting time by playing to the crowd. BOO!!! }
James Gilmore: Jason's gotta be careful here....
Rayne: He's just stalling for time...
Iyo Kenshin: And I thought you didn't like showmen, Rayne...
{ The extracurricular stuff turns out to be a mistake as Logan Sky flies off the second buckle and connects with a flying forearm as Hathaway's back is turned! Jason hits the mat hard as Logan goes on the attact, spiking him head-first with a DDT -- only for Tomy Knocker to step in and warn about supposedly pulling the hair! Even a split-screen replay shows that he didn't do such a thing, which has JJ puzzled at ringside! }
James Gilmore: If that move wasn't legal, then what is?!
Rayne: This is typical Tommy Knocker, JJ!
Iyo Kenshin: We can do better than this...
{ Logan looks flustered as he finds himself in a spirtual handicap match! But to his credit, he keeps up the attack and starts connecting with his seven-punch combination! Jason is rocked back to the corner by the striking combo -- but again, Tommy Knocker steps in and threatens a DQ if Logan doesn't stop using closed fists, even though he was clearly keeping the hands open! }
James Gilmore: C'mon, MAAAAN!!!
Iyo Kenshin: Logan could've had it, but the zebra had to be in the way!
{ As we hit the 12:30 mark, J-TV is able to finally capitalize on the unfair advantage and plasters Logan with his patented signature, a slingshot X-Factor from the apron that he dubs the SIGN OFF! Logan Sky is laid out as Jason Hathaway goes for the cover! }
1...!
2...!!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[DING-DING-DING!!!]
Alison Valance: Here is your winner...JASON!! J-TV!!! HATHAWAAAAAY!!!!!
{ BOO! The crowd starts littering the ring with trash, pelting Tommy Knocker in the process, as Sferic Waves begins playing once more. J-TV celebrates his win, despite the chaos around him courtesy of the flying popcorn boxes, and gazes upon the Roulette 2024 banner! }
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PICK YOUR POISON MATCH
2000 Word Limit
Six Briefcases will be suspended above the ring (one above each post and two above the ring) with an unknown stipulation relating to the Roulette. Combatants will exit the match after retrieving a briefcase and the match will end when they've all been retrieved.
Tytus Rost vs. TJ Alexander vs. Allen Chaney vs. Nick Danger vs. Mr. Happy vs. Phillip Deforrest
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{ Mr. Happy by ICP hits the pa. Mr. Happy comes dancing out onto the stage shaking bottles of Root Beer Faygo. He shakes one then sends it flying off the ramp and into the crowd like a soda rocket. The other he rips open and spills all over his face and mouth before running down the ramp and sliding into the ring. }
Rayne: This is a surprising entrant, but we could see if Mr. Happy gets the run of his life.
Iyo Kenshin: He very well could. There are technically five winners tonight!
{ "Bulls On Parade" by Rage Against The Machine bcomes on the speaker and red smoke follow on the entrance ramp . Nick Danger walks out onto the entrance ramp wearing his wrestling attire having a determine look on his face he makes his way down the entrance taking off his leather jacket toss it to fan and giving them high fives. Nick climb the stel steps then climb the top turnbuckle and and sees his fans saying "Rising Ace" he jumps inside the ring and gets ready for the match to start. }
Iyo Kenshin: And here is Nick Danger, and you have to imagine that he wants to go after one of the ones hanging over the ring in an effort to get ready for his ladder match against Wraith at High Stakes.
Rayne: Iām gonna laugh if he gets hurt.
{ 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. }
Rayne: The Funny Fat Fuck is here and heās been on a roll, thereās no denying that. But heās got his work cut out for him.
Iyo Kenshin: Allen Chaney has been taking down everybody in recent weeks, and I have no problem thinking heās going to be walking out with one of these briefcases.
{As āfinal countdown startsā Phillip walks heroricly from the back, strikes a pose, then runs into the ring to take his place in the ring}
Iyo Kenshin: And hereās Phillip Deforrest looking to get a spark of his own!
Rayne: Does anybody care?
{The crowd turns its attention toward the entrance area as a lion roar echoes throughout the arena. They continue to watch as the drumbeat of "Tired of Winning" begins and from behind the curtain steps the hulking figure of Tytus Rost, his face like carved granite as he stares with cold eyes down to the ring.}
Alison Valance: Making his way to the ring, weighing three hundred and four pounds ā¦ from Norilsk, Siberia ā¦ The Russian Lion ā¦ Tytus ā¦ Rost!
{Rostās upper lip curls in a sneer as he begins to move with purpose down the ramp. Making it to the ring, Tytus stands on the floor for a beat before leaping up to the apron in a show of agility for a man his size. He wipes his boots on the outside ring apron before stepping in through the ropes and walks with purpose to the center of the ring.}
Rayne: This is the person that I think everyone else better have eyes on! He could probably single handedly demolish everybody in the ring!
Iyo Kenshin: He is powerful, but I donāt know if I would say he could take them all on.
{ 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. }
Iyo Kenshin: And TJ Alexander! Weāve seen this kid doing some work and lighting things up again, so you have to imagine that heās going to try to get himself in a good line for the Roulette!
Rayne: Heās resilient, Iāll definitely give him that.
{ Just before the bell sounds, all of the combatants exchange glances amongst each otherā¦ The moment the bell finally sounds, Phillip Deforrest rushes for a corner to try to snag himself a briefcase! As heās on the second rope, though, TJ Alexander springs off of the second rope and catches him with a dropkick that sends Phillip tumbling to the outside of the ring! Nick Danger and Mr. Happy are fighting into another corner of the ring, where Nick Danger is firing with everything he has against Mr. Happyā¦ and in the center of the ring, Allen Chaney and Tytus Rost are getting nose to nose, neither one of the bigger men in the competition backing down from each other. Allen taps his chin, offering Tytus a shot, and Tytus takes it as an insult and shoves Allen with as much force as he canā Allen rebounds off of the ropes, and the forearms start flying between Allen Chaney and Tytus Rost! }
Iyo Kenshin: This match has just gotten underway, and hell has already been unleashed! Tytus Rost and Allen Chaney are just unloading on each other in the center of the ring! Nick Dangerā it looks like TJ Alexander is wanting to get in the mix thereā¦
{ TJ Alexander goes to the fight ensuing between Nick Danger and Mr. Happy and takes a shot at Mr. Happy! Danger and TJ team up against Mr. Happy before finally taking him up and over the ring with a double clothesline! Nick Danger looks pleased, but TJ Alexander takes the opportunity while Danger has his back to him and takes him down with a Russian Legsweep! }
Rayne: Thereās no allies in this match!
Iyo Kenshin: TJ Alexander is looking for one of the briefcases while Tytus and Allen are distracted; Mr. Happy and Phillip Deforrest are on the outside of the ring, and Nick Danger is now grounded for the momentā but no! Nick Danger scrambles back to his feet and heās firing some hard kicks at TJ Alexander!
{ TJ and Danger continue fighting for the time being, while across the ring, Allen and Tytus are continuing their brawl into the corner of the ring, where Tytus Rost is able to back Allen into it before starting to hit him with thunderous shoulder thrusts! Allen Chaney looks like he has the wind driven out of him, but still fires down with a double axe handle smash to try to battle off The Russian Lion, and one clubbing blow sends him down to one knee, but Tytus immediately kips back up and drives in another shoulder thrust! Allen fires with a knee that connects with Tytusās shoulder, and then climbs up to the second rope.
Back on the other side of the ring, TJ Alexander and Nick Danger collide with an elbow to each other, staggering both! TJ Alexander shakes it off and rushes toward the corner where Tytus and Allen are, and springs off of Tytusās back, and onto Allenās shoulders! TJ Alexander stretches for a briefcase ā AND! ā NO! ALLEN CHANEY TAKES TJ ALEXANDER DOWN WITH A POWERBOMB GOING RIGHT OVER TYTUS ROST! Allen Chaney taunts Tytus Rost to await for him to get up, and when he does, Allen Chaney leaps off the second rope with a crossbody!
Phillip and Mr. Happy start fighting on the outside of the ring with Mr. Happy picking up objects from the ground, and tossing them at Phillip! One of the objects staggers Phillip long enough for Mr. Happy to go for the ladder, and Nick Danger springs to the top rope and comes down with a crossbody onto the ladder that sends Mr. Happy to the ground! }
Rayne: He better get his practice in with that ladder if he wants a chance at actually beating Wraith at High Stakes.
Iyo Kenshin: Itās going to be an interesting match, for sure, because we have yet to see Wraith do too much of the daredevil tactics but his mother was known for it when she was younger. I imagine he will be well-versed. But back to this match, weāve seen these people starting to tear it more and more down, and it looks like Allen Chaney is going for a briefcase of his ownā¦
{ Allen looks toward one of the corners with the briefcases and shakes his head; he points upward indicating that he wants one of the ones hanging at the top!
Nick Danger is in pain on the outside of the ring after landing on top of the ladder, but Mr. Happy took more of the damage from it ā Nick persists, and still pulls the ladder up, ready to slide it into the ring only to be met with a baseball slide from Allen Chaney sending the ladder into Nick Danger! Allen rolls out of the ring from there and picks up the ladder, using it as a ram to put Deforrest back down! Allen finally gets it into the ring.
Tytus Rost doesnāt look happy after some of the punishment heās taken, and is taking out his aggression on TJ Alexanderā¦ meanwhile, Allen finally gets the ladder set up, and starts to climb, only for Tytus Rost to send TJ Alexander at full force toward the ladder! TJ Alexander springs and misses a few rings, as he starts trying to ascend the ladder and stop Allen Chaney.
TOO LATE!
Allen Chaney takes a briefcase and holds it overheadā¦ TJ Alexander grimaces as he wasnāt able to be the first to claim a briefcase, but nothing wrong with second place. TJ Alexander continues climbing, and despite no longer being in the match, Allen Chaney thwacks TJ Alexander on the head, sending him tumbling off of the ladder and crashing to the mat below! }
Iyo Kenshin: Allen Chaney is the first one to claim one of the briefcases! And I just wonder what it says!
{ Allen descends the ladderā¦ he looks back and forth momentarily, and then pushes the ladder over so no one else will have an easy time, then waves to the rest of the combatants as he clutches the briefcase on his way to the back. }
Rayne: And he wouldnāt even let poor TJ Alexander take the second one.
{ Tytus Rost climbs the turnbuckle to attempt to take a second briefcase. Nick Danger is back inside of the ring, and climbs another corner to go for a briefcase of his ownā¦across the ring, Tytus is still just inches away from the briefcase. Back to Nick Danger and he reaches for the other one, but both Mr. Happy and Phillip are on the ring apron and shove him back ā Nick Danger manages to land on his feet, and keeps his momentum rolling by running forward and springing off of the middle rope before dragging Tytus backward with a neckbreaker!
TJ Alexander fixes the ladder and starts to climb, but Mr. Happy and Phillip are there to push the ladder over sending TJ Alexander crashing to the outside of the ring! Nick Danger is trying to climb the top rope again for a briefcase, but Phillip is there to bring him down - Tytus scrambles on the floor clutching his neck, looking more irate by Nick Danger thwarting him, and Tytus goes under both Nick Danger and Phillip Deforrest powering both of them down with a double powerbomb! Mr. Happy steps toward Tytus only to be met with a big boot that sends him back down, and then he folds up the ladder and brings it down to almost decapitate TJ Alexander! TJ rolls out of the way just in the nick of time, and Tytus flings the ladder like a sack of potatoes ā Mr. Happy, back to his feet, turns right into Tytus Rost who hits him with HUNTING GROUNDS! }
Iyo Kenshin: Tytus Rost has just unleashed himself! And thereās no calling this matchā I donāt know if Mr. Happy is going to be able to continue!
Rayne: Donāt poke the lion!
{ Satisfied with the assault, Tytus stands back up and looks at the carnage that heās causedā¦ TJ Alexander is spotted trying to climb one of the corners to grab a briefcase, and Phillip Deforrest is back to his feet ā Phillip makes the mistakes of staggering in Tytusās direction, and Tytus lifts hip up and torpedoes him toward TJ Alexander! }
Iyo Kenshin: He just usedā¦ Phillipā¦ as a weapon!
{ The throw from Tytus with Phillip stuns TJ Alexander, and Tytus Rost heads to another corner and climbs up - he almost rips the whole thing down as he gets a briefcase, and shortly after he gets the briefcase, TJ Alexander, in pain, gets his own. }
Iyo Kenshin: And just like that, this match is down to three.
Rayne: I think security needs to ensure Tytus Rost leaves on his own, orā oh, nevermind!
{ Tytus pulls Deforrest back to his feet, and lifts him up and brings him down with THE END! Mr. Happy, beaten and bruised, warily gets to his feet only to be caught with URSA MAJOR! Nick Danger gets back up and it looks like Tytus is about to go after him - but instead he just gives him a look indicating that heāll be looking for him in the Rouletteā¦ Tytus stomps Deforrest on the way out, taking his briefcase. TJ Alexander left without incident. }
Iyo Kenshin: Nick Danger doesnāt even know what just happened there, but he was spared! For now!
Rayne: Tytus Rost made it clear that at the Roulette, Nick Danger will get his!
{ Nick Danger sets up the ladder in the center of the ring, then quickly climbs and takes down a briefcase. }
Iyo Kenshin: Wise move by Nick Danger to get out of there fast while Mr. Happy and Deforrest are down.
{ Deforrest and Mr. Happy are slow to get to their feet, and Deforrest sends Mr. Happy across the ring with an Irishwhip! Mr. Happy crashes harder into the corner than even Deforrest intended, and falls to a seated positionā¦and overheadā¦the briefcase comes loose, and falls into Mr. Happyās arms! Deforrest is furious and arguing that that shouldnāt count, but the bell sounds and the referees are pointing that Mr. Happy has acquired the final briefcase! }
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IWF INVICTUS CHAMPIONSHIP
SINGLES MATCH
3000 Word Limit
Nick Knight (c) vs. Tyson Everest w/ Charlie von Ruth
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Alison Valance: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and is for the Invictus Championship! Introducing first, the challengerā¦
{ The instrumental intro to Blue Stahli's "The Fall" bursts out as the Kings of Flight walk out onto the ramp. They both pull back their hoods and yell out to the crowd in order to hype them up. The team vault opposite barricades, walking through the sea of fans until they reach the ringside area. }
Alison Valance: Making his way to the ring, accompanied by Charlie Van Ruthā¦ weighing in at 201lbsā¦ the "Aerial Archer" Tyson Everest!
{ As they stand on opposing sides of the apron, they simultaneously vault over the top rope and into the ring, meeting in the center. The two exchange a quick chest bump before Charlie exits to the outside, and Tyson Everest takes his corner. }
Iyo Kenshin: Tyson Everest has a tremendous opportunity tonight, Rayne. The Kings of Flight are an outstanding tag team, but Tyson Everest owns a singles victory over a former Invictus Champion in Stephen Terrella, so he cannot be slept on as a singles competitor. If Tyson can defeat Nick Knight, he'll become an Invictus Champion himself.
Rayne: I'm surprised they let him out of jail for this match, to be honest. He's a violent criminal! I don't know if I feel comfortable sitting this close to the Kings of Flight. It feels like an unsafe work environment. Has anyone even checked to make sure he hasn't made any modifications to his toothbrush?
{ The camera cuts back to a shot of Alison Valance. }
Alison Valance: And his opponentā¦
{ Every light in the arena is extinguished in the blink of an eye and the sound of a clock ticking begins to play at an almost deafening level. Every few seconds another clock joins the chorus until an alarm bell rings to quickly be replaced by the eruption of pyro that sends ghost white flames high into the sky. Then as the flames are quenched the opening keyboard of Blood for Miles by Deathstars begins to play.The arena stays dark except for a ring of fire with a figure standing in the center. The man is dressed in an ankle length black trench coat, wide brimmed black hat, a black leather plague doctor mask trimmed in brass covers his face, and he is carrying a cane. Stepping through the flames the man makes his way towards ringside, a spotlight tracking him on his way down the aisle. Halfway to the ring he stops and pulls an ornate watch from the pocket of his coat to check the time. The moment that he returns the watch to his pocket the words āTicktock The End is Now,ā appears on every single LED board. }
Alison Valance: Now making his way to the ring from Hollywood, California he is the reigning IWF Invictus Champion Nick Knight!!!
{ Knight slowly walks to ringside, stopping just short of the ring to methodically strip off his hat and coat leaving him in black trousers with a thin gray stripe, his mask, and the IWF Invictus Championship belt around his waist. Slowly the arena lights come back up as āThe Hollywood Butcherā unstraps the mask and hands it to the ringside attendant before climbing into the ring. Nick unstraps the belt from around his waist and folds the straps underneath before lovingly handing it to the official. The official holds it high into the air for the crowd to see before giving it to the ringside attendant. }
Iyo Kenshin: As we watch the official pass the Invictus Championship belt out -a belt Nick Knight feels a great deal of pride in, paraphrasing here, elevating- I do wonder if he might be overlooking Tyson Everest to an extent. He has a lot on his plate, including some tension between himself and Mr. Verona.
Rayne: Knight probably doesn't want my opinion, but I think he should be a little more grateful Mr. Verona has given him a place to work and a steady paycheck. I know having to wrestle a felon isn't ideal, but maybe don't cross the boss, and you might not find yourself in these situations.
{ The referee for this contest, Jessica Andrews, signals for the opening bell. }
Ding!
{ The two men begin to circle each other at the sound of the bell. They feel each other out, almost touching hands a few times, before finally locking up. Knight uses his height and weight advantage to force Tyson back into a corner. The referee calls for a clean break, and Knight looks to be offering one as he backs away with his hands up, but he slaps the taste out of Everest's mouth instead! Infuriated, Everest strikes back with a closed fist to Knight's chin before laying in a series of European uppercuts underneath it. The Aerial Archer hits the ropes, taking Knight down with a spinning heel kick as Charlie Van Ruth cheers his tag partner on from ringside, right along with the thousands in attendance. Working at a breakneck pace, Tyson is up, and comes crashing down on Knight with a standing moonsault! He goes for a cover, and Jessica quickly slides into position for a count, but Knight kicks out just before her hand slaps the mat for a second time! Tyson brings Knight up, but the wily veteran jabs a thumb in Everest's eye. He receives a stern warning from Jessica for his actions, but the damage is done. Knight dishes out a slew of hard headbutts with his battle scarred forehead, dazing his blinded challenger. }
{ The Hollywood Butcher lifts Tyson high in the air for a vertical suplex, landing his challenger hard on the canvas. Knight goes for a cover, but is only able to secure a one count himself. Nick demonstrates to Jessica how fast he felt the count should have been, then drags Everest the rest of the way to his feet. Knight dishes out a German suplex, depositing Everest on the back of his neck and shoulders. Knight loads up his arms, hits the ropes, and nearly decapitates Everest with a huge lariat clothesline that turns the Aerial Archer for a flip in the air! Knight again goes for a cover, but Everest has too much heart to stay down, again kicking out! Possibly growing a bit more frustrated with Everest's resilience, Knight hauls him up and dumps him to the outside. Knight goes out after him, whipping Everest into the steel ring stairs! Knight rolls in, then back out of the ring, to interrupt the official's count. With this being Tyson's first match back from his head injury, the veteran Knight targets the head with a vicious "Welcome to Hollywood" outside the ring. Nick smiles as the crowd boos. The confident champion rolls back inside the ring as Charlie Van Ruth comes to check on Tyson. Knight tells Andrews to count Everest out. She starts over at one as Knight stands beside her, making it all the way to seven before Savage By Nature storms the ring from behind! The Black Widow lands a blow to the back of the official's neck as Terrella almost simultaneously blasts Knight in the back of the head with a heavy chain wrapped around Stephen's closed fist! }
Iyo Kenshin: Damnit, no!! Savage By Nature has interfered in another of the Kings of Flight's matches! How are they not in jail?!
Rayne: You heard their lawyer earlier, all charges were dropped.
{ Charlie Van Ruth immediately rushes the ring, trying to fight Savage By Nature with the numbers against him. He's soon overwhelmed though, and both the Black Widow and Stephen Terrella start to lay into him with stomps. Knight starts to stir, but Terrella charges the ropes and cuts him nearly in half with a spear! The Black Widow pulls Charlie up, then drives his head into the canvas with a thunderous DDT! Tyson Everest drags himself up with the aid of the ring skirting, and witnesses what is transpiring inside the ring. He rolls in, wanting to help Charlieā¦ but Terrella uncoils the chain from around his fist and starts whipping Everest across the back with it! Portia taunts Everest from the outside as the heavy metal chains crashes into his flesh again, and again. Cvetkova gets down on all fours, watching intently as Charlie tries to get up. She rises with him, almost mirroring him, before spewing her Black Mist into his eyes! Knight gets back up, and goes after Terrellaā¦ but Cvetkova comes in with a pump kick to drop Knight! Terrella then hoists Knight up, powerbombing him down on top of Tyson Everest! Savage By Nature then zeroes in on Charlie Van Ruth. Terrella grabs his chain. The Black Widow brings Charlie up, holding him in place while Terrella wraps his fist in the chain again. Stephen goes to work on Charlie's body with his loaded left hand, trying to break Van Ruth's ribs. After eight shots, they let Charlie fall to the canvas. Terrella uncoils the chain, and wraps it around Van Ruth's throat. }
Iyo Kenshin: This is a frightening scene. We have all witnessed how ruthless Savage By Nature can be, Rayneā¦
Rayne: I guarantee you there isn't a security guard behind that curtain just itching to come out here either.
{ Terrella tosses Van Ruth over the top rope, hanging him by the chain, by the neck! }
Iyo Kenshin: No! No! No! Stop this! The man cannot breathe!
Rayne: You can see the struggle in Charlie's faceā¦
{ Portia circles around to antagonize Charlie while Terrella keeps pull on the chain. Security starts pouring out of the back, and the Black Widow takes them down one-by-one as they enter the ring. Tyson Everest gets up and takes down the Black Widow, hammering her with punches. This enables more, and more security to enter the ring until they pry Terrella's hands off the chain. Charlie falls to the floor, gasping for breath. Terrella tosses a few of the security officials around as the chaos continues. Knight grabs his Invictus Championship and blasts Terrella in the face with it, toppling the big man! Security starts to swarm Knight while some try to separate Tyson and the Black Widow. }
Rayne: We have reached a boiling point, Iyo!
{ Knight shoves off a few security guards before rolling out of the ring with his belt, gesturing as if he doesn't need any of this. Terrella starts to get back up, with security guards on his back. }
Iyo Kenshin: This has long since boiled over! I am being told we need to go to a commercial break while we try to sort this out. When we come back from break we'll hopefully have a contract signing for you between Nick Danger and Wraith!
Rayne: Or everyone may still be fighting, it's really hard to sayā¦
-------------------------------
SEGMENT
1500 Word Limit
Nick Danger and Wraith contract signing.
-------------------------------
{ The crowd continues buzzing as they await what comes next, and we are given the hint as a fancy rug is laid out to cover the entire ring, and a table with two office chairs on both sides of it. The contract signing between Nick Danger and Wraithā¦and with a sudden flicker, all of the lights in the Addition Financial Arena go out, and the crowd gives a huge pop before they come back to normal to see Wraith ā or rather Sabin standing atop the turnbuckle. One foot on the middle, and one on the top, and he clutches the IWF World Television Championship to his shoulder with a sly smirk on his face showing the known characteristic of the Docherty bloodline, but it curls into more of a bloodthirsty grin to show the monster within. One hand still holds the title to his shoulder, and the other holds a microphone, and without missing a beat, he steps forward and drops down to land inside of the ring. }
Sabin / Wraith: Ordinarily, the champion would always come outā¦ second. Isnāt that right?
{ He asks almost arrogantly. }
Sabin / Wraith: Ordinarily, there would be some sort of figurehead in this ring to oversee the contractā
{ He says while walking to the center of the ring, and tucks his title in while picking up the contract with the same hand. }
Sabin / Wraith: āsigning, but I figuredā¦ we could be civilized, right? There is a reason that I decided to interrupt Nick Danger before he could even come out here and thatās because I want to acknowledge this new thing that someone thought was a good idea, and Iām not going to bash it. Iām not going to claim itās a mistake. In factā I love it! THE GLADIATORāS DIVISION!
{ The crowd cheers at the mentioning of the brand new division, as Sabinās voice baritones the mentioning of it. }
Sabin / Wraith: Yāsee, I actuallyā¦ neverā¦ plannedā¦ on coming after this championship. I never planned on becoming the IWF World Television Champion, but here I stand as the LONGEST REIGNING IWF WORLD TELEVISION CHAMPION IN THE HISTORY OF THIS TITLE! Two-hundred-and-fifty-nine DAYS! And I know, I know there are going to be people sitting at homeā¦ people that couldnāt cut itā¦ that are probably going to tell you that the only reason that happened was because I wasnāt fighting anyone. People that are going to say the only reason I got the opportunity was because of my family. The excuses are always there, and I know those same people are probably choking on their tongues so they can try to play the good guy a little bit longer and keep that spotlight from exposing them for what they are. But thatā
{ He chuckles. }
Sabin / Wraith: Thatās not important. The point is that I never won this championship with the intent of holding it hostage ā much like my aunt, the one, the only, the wonderful Jennie Fenix!
{ The crowd cheers loud for the current IWF Womenās World Champion. }
Sabin / Wraith: It was not my intent to ever hold this championship hostage, but the truth that everybody needs to accept and understand is that there is nobody in the back that has the courage to step forward and challenge me! They crawled out of the shadows to challenge my dear brother, Dean, and he would make easy work of themā¦ but they would crawl away. And do you want to know why that is? Becauseā Iā amā better.
{ Sabin walks to the nearby camera at the corner. }
Sabin / Wraith: Sorry not sorry, brother.
{ He flashes a smile, but quickly turns his attention back in. }
Sabin / Wraith: The Gladiatorās Division! Itās prettyā ironic to me that the gladiatorās of old that weāve all heard about in ancient Roman times, the vast majority of them knew they were marching to their deathā¦ And all this time has passed, and the new gladiatorsā are going to be marching to their death. I canāt wait to see who comes out as the number one contender for my championship, just so I can crush them in front of all you fine people! But firstā
{ He raises his finger and places the contract back on the table, and without any hesitation, he signs. }
Sabin / Wraith: Nick Danger! A boy that is constantly trying to climb his way to the top, one ring at a time, butā¦ every time you reach, you always come down with nothing. You are much like the people that I have mentionedā the people that thought they were going to run my name through the mud, only for me to continue to rise, only for me to continue to become better and better than everyone in this business, and the same person that has accused me of HIDING with this championship! And Iāve said the truth! I have said that I have never hid from anyone, but no one wanted to step forth! And you, Nicky, you have a silly way of trying to remain relevantā¦ You were the one that wanted to defend this title against me, you were the one that got in over your head, and thatās something I don't do! I donāt get in over my head! I have always been ready to defend this championshipā¦ But no one wanted to be in the ring with meā¦ Until you thought that this would be your perfect story. Your chance for redemption! But what you fail to realize is that you, Nickyā you are just not on my level. So let me prove it to you! ONE MORE TIME! And come out here and sign this contract!
{ā Bulls On Paradeā by Rage Against The Machine comes on the speakers. Nick walks out onto the entrance wearing his wrestling attire with a Dragon Ball Z t-shirt after his pick-your-poison match earlier. He walks down the ramp giving fans high fives but stares at Wraith not losing eye contact with him. Nick climbs the steel steps and enters through the middle rope having an intense staring contest with Wraith. Nick asks for a microphone and speaks}
Nick Danger: Before I sign this contract sealing my fate at High Stakes I must say something as well. I heard you say that nobody had the courage to fight you for that title. I must agree probably everyone wants a shot at your brother's title than you. But I really don't care who holds the IWF World Championship or the IWF World Television Championship. WHAT BOTHERS ME THE MOST IS THAT NO ONE CAN EVER COME TO THIS RING AND CHALLENGE THE CHAMPION! Except for me. See I never wanted to be at any one level here in IWF. I always wanted to go beyond my own limits and surpass everyone else.
{Nick pauses for a moment and speaks again}
Nick Danger: Wraith you like causing nothing but chaos and destruction. Just like Majin Buu from Dragon Ball Z. If anyone steps up to you they will feel your wraith and you will be put on a stretcher to the hospital. See I am very different from those other guys because I always believe that I remind myself of Goku. No matter how many times he is defeated Goku finds a way to always win. I don't give a damn how many times you try to put me down. I will always find a way to win. At High Stakes, you are going to realize it won't be you winning the match. From the time that you've been in IWF, there have only been a few guys that defeated you. Pax Stormcrow, Matt Knox, JC Keeton, Nick Knight, and your father Angel Blake. But at High Stakes, my name will be added to the list of people who defeated you.
{Nick signs the contract to make their match official at High Stakes. The crowd cheers as the match is now cemented, and Sabin smirks as he takes one step forward. }
Sabin / Wraith: Donāt you see, though? Donāt you see the differenceā¦?
{ Sabin asks, and another step. }
Sabin / Wraith: All those people who have beaten meā¦ Where are they? Iām the one thatās still standing. So you can bring your Kamehameha, you can bring your Spirit Bomb, and whatever it is you want to bringā¦ I want you to knowā¦ Iām still going to be standing.
{ He sneers at Nick Danger, shades of Wraith coming out, as he lunges forward for a headbutt! Nick Danger evades and catches Sabin with STRIKE OUT! The rolling elbow sends Sabin back into the ropes, and Nick Danger is on the offenseā¦ }
Iyo Kenshin: These two arenāt going to wait for High Stakes! Theyāre going to take each other out now!
{ Nick Danger follows in against Sabin, and the two get into a classic elbow and collar lock up! Sabin snatches Nick Dangerās wrist, and suddenly brings something onto the ropes, and Sabin backs up waving at Nick Danger who pulls as hard as he can just to find himself handcuffed to the top rope! }
Rayne: Do you see that? This isnāt the place for them to fight, and Sabin knows it, okay?
{ Nick Danger turns and pulls harder at the ropes in hopes of bringing the ropes free, and while distracted, Sabin comes in with a bicycle knee to blindside Nick Danger, and then holds Dangerās other wrist as he handcuffs him to the ropes again so that heās also facing the inside. An infuriated Nick Danger pulls desperately at the ropes to no avail. Sabin backs up to the middle of the ring. }
Sabin / Wraith: Go ahead, ladies and gentlemen! Raise your hands! Give him your energy!
{ Sabin walks closer to him again, and Nick Danger tries to kick at him but is just out of reach. }
Sabin / Wraith: They can give you EVERYTHING, but you will still beā¦ NOTHING.
{ Sabin first rolls out of the ring, and searches underneath the ring brieflyā¦ He raises a steel chain to show it off to the crowd, with Nick Danger still trapped and climbs the ring apron behind Nick, as Nick shakes his head and tries to resist, but with nowhere to go, Sabin wraps the chain around his neck. }
Sabin / Wraith: Call it a gift from TlƔa.
{ The crowd starts going wild when Kings of Flight sprints at full speed down to the ring, and Sabin drops the end of the chain and drops from the ring apron - he quickly snatches his championship away, as Kings of Flight slide into the ring and are ready to chase after the champion, who backs away. Sabin starts laughing over the whole matter, while Tyson Everest and Charlie Van Ruth ensure Nick Danger is safe from his attack. }
Iyo Kenshin: And not a moment too soon! Wraith was going to take Nick Danger out before High Stakes!
Rayne: And he damn well shouldāve!
{ Sabin just rubs his jaw, still feeling some of the effects of the Strike Out elbow. Some of the crew on the outside come to the aid and are trying to pick the lock on the handcuffs while Kings of Flight still stand as security. Sabin raises the championship overhead. }
Rayne: I do believe Nick Danger just signed his own death warrant.
Iyo Kenshin: Weāll see what happens at High Stakes!
{ Fade to commercial. }
-------------------------------
MAIN EVENT
IRON MAIDEN BATTLE ROYALE
2500 Word Limit
The final four of the original field of ten combatants will qualify for the Iron Maiden at High Stakes and be subsequently joined by April Madrox and Charlotte Shimizu to determine their order of entry based on their order of elimination.
w/ Jess Fowler as Special Guest Commentator
1. Mimi Simpson
2. Candy Kane
3. Caroline Machado
4. Amber Vogel
5. Itami w/ Gregor Winter
6. Serenity Holmes
7. Nancy Pailson-Carlson
8. Natasha Walker
9. Abigail
10. Mai Everstone
-------
11. April Madrox
12. Charlotte Shimizu
-------------------------------
Alison Valance: The following match is an Iron Maiden Battle Royale. Each woman will enter the ring in order. The final four of the original field of ten combatants will qualify for the Iron Maiden at High Stakes and be subsequently joined by April Madrox and Charlotte Shimizu to determine their order of entry based on their order of elimination.
Iyo Kenshin: I donāt think weāve ever had a match like this.
Rayne: closest we will have to Last Rites this year.
Alison Valance: As a special commentator we have the head of the womenās Division Jess Fowler!
{āQueer as in Fuck Youā by Dog Park Dissidents plays from the speakers as Jess Fowler walks down from the back. They ignore the fans who both boo and try to reach out to them. They sit down at the commentator's table and put on a headset.}
Iyo Kenshin: I didnāt know you had a theme song.
Jess Fowler: Everyone else does.
Rayne: Thatās fair I guessā¦
{Pump it plays as Mimi comes running down the ramp and into the ring.}
Alison Valance: First down to the ring, Mimi Simpson!
Iyo Kenshin: We havenāt seen Mimi out in the ring in a while. What was the decision to book her for this match?
Jess Fowler: Iron Maiden is meant to be an equal field. Anyone can qualify.
Rayne: usually only ends up being the best though.
{As the Me Too by Meghan Trainor starts Candy struts down the ramp before climbing into the ropes posing for the crowd.}
Alison Valance: next to the ring we have Candy Kane!
Iyo Kenshin: another we havenāt seen in a while. I wasnāt sure she still worked here.
Jess Fowler: we have an open door. Usually anyone can make a return.
Rayne: Unless they are a dick, right?
{as soon as the bell rings candy and Mimi get into it. Mimi is suffering from some ring rust as she is a little late in handling some of Candyās moves but Candy seems on top of her game.}
Iyo Kenshin: so speaking of Last Ritesā¦
Jess Fowler: Would I love to bring it back? Yes. But we all have a part to play.
Rayne: could also use a second belt.
{ The lights go out, and the crowd eagerly awaits the entrance of Caroline Machado. We hear the sound of her distinctive, goofy chuckle reverberating throughout the arena. And then, as if on cue... }
"Hi!!!"
{ A burst of pyro goes off, and the crowd leaps to its feet as Caroline bursts out from behind the curtain! With a smile on her face and eyes twinkling like diamonds, the Brazilian is bathed in a sea of green and gold lighting effects as Dua Lipa's "Dance the Night" starts playing. She dances on the stage to the track's first verse, taking in the moment around her before running down to the ring as Candy is attempting to eliminate Mimi.}
Alison Valance: next down to the ring, Caroline!
Iyo Kenshin: shorter entrance than normal.
Jess Fowler: Itās not your usual match.
Rayne: thank god.
{Caroline enters the ring and both Mimi and Candy go towards trying to eliminate the former champion. They maintain some semblance of control as a two on one.}
Iyo Kenshin: a good strategy.
Jess Fowler: You never want to estimate the less proven talent, they can surprise you.
Rayne: they really can.
{ "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 before running down to the ring. }
Alison Valance: next into the match is Amber Vogel!
Iyo Kenshin: Sheās got a lot of hype to live up to.
Jess Fowler: Iām sure sheāll make an impression.
Rayne: Whether good or bad is anyoneās call.
{Amber jumps into the ring joining the beat down on Caroline but Mimi takes a swing at her and it turns into all-out chaos.}
Iyo Kenshin: Always a bad time to break the teamwork.
Jess Fowler: If you want to win you donāt want to waste time on keeping things going.
Rayne: Itās a call I would have made.
{The arena lights fade to black as a fog begins to fill the entrance area. Eerie-pitched music begins to play as crimson light moves through the fog serpent, causing goosebumps on the skin of anyone who views it. Heavy guitar begins to blast from the speakers and bright blood-red light begins to strobe to the beat revealing that there is a creature deep inside of the fog.
Slowly the creature moves forward in an otherworldly way, sometimes moving like a man and sometimes like a serpent. There is an explosion of pyro as the vocal chord-destroying vocals of Torture by Deviloof begin and for the first time, the fans see the demon-masked face of āThe Lady Painā Itami as she rushes down to the ring.}
Alison Valance: Now making her way to the ring from Fukuoka, Japan āThe Demonessā Itami!!!
Iyo Kenshin: Here we have the second part of some of the drama happening the last couple of weeks. Itami and Caroline have been having some trouble. Do you think they will be able to work it out this week?
Jess Fowler: No.
Rayne: Definitely not.
{Soon as Itami enters the ring Candy switches to beating up on Amber with Mimi while Caroline and Itami stare each other down before going to town on one another.}
Iyo Kenshin: The match is really filling up.
Jess Fowler: It does in matches like this.
Rayne: He does say the most obvious things, doesnāt he?
{"Synthetic Sympathy" by Trash Boat immediately explodes from the arena's surrounding systems, sparking a positive reaction from the audience. The bass and repeated opening lyrics synchronize with the lights flashing around the venue's interior, leading to Serenity Holmes sprinting from the backstage area to center stage, where the fans of the Action Wrestling universe greet her. She stands center stage before taking off her hat and throwing it into the fans for amusement until looking down the entrance path, where she takes off into a run for the mere moment of interactions on her fast-paced run to the ring.}
Alison Valance: "Introducing on her way to the ring! Hailing from Houston, Texas! At five feet, seven inches tall, weighing in at 127 pounds. She is "22nd Century Girl" Serenity Holmes!"
Iyo Kenshin: Serenity had a lot to say leading up to this match.
Jess Fowler: She has a lot to prove. She says sheās one of the best in the business. It will be interesting to see if she can prove that here tonight.
Rayne: Iām doubting it.
{Serenity bounds into the ring and goes straight for Amber pushing Mimi and candy away so she can try to make the first elimination. Caroline and Itami are still slugging it out to one side. Serenity manages to throw Amber over the top rope.}
Alison Valance: Amber Vogel has been eliminated!
Iyo Kenshin: Oooh the first elimination.
Jess Fowler: Well, thtās something.
Rayne: Could be luck. Could mean something big. Too early to tell.
{As soon as the Poison Whiskey by Lynyrd Skynyrd starts Nancy Pailson-Carlson marches down the ramp and gets into the ring.}
Alison Valance: next down to the ring Nancy!
Iyo Kenshin: Serenity might just toss her out too.
Jess Fowler: Would be impressive.
Rayne: She could choke though, letās not forget that.
{Serenity is handling both Mimi and Candy as they go two-on-one for her as Caroline and Itami fight one another still, seemingly forgetting the rest of the match. Nancy seems to be weighing her options, not getting involved.}
Iyo Kenshin: This could be a pretty onesided match if Mimi and Candy keep working together.
Jess Fowler: Unlikely to keep going.
Rayne: I hope it ends.
{"Riot" starts to roll the Distinctive drums into the arena as the lights dim, before stepping out the back in her outfit comes Natasha on time with the Scream in the track the thin "webbing" on her outfit lit up by UV as she bops to the beat and moves down the Ramp}
Alison Valance: Next into the ring is Natasha!
Iyo Kenshin: Natasha and Serenity have some beef going on as well. Do you think theyāll be distracted like Caroline and Itami?
Jess Fowler: Well, if they are it might make the Iron Maiden very interesting this year.
Rayne: Boring you mean.
{Ntasha wastes no time barrelling for where Caroline and Itami are fighting each other, diving down and grabbing them both while they are grappling and tossing them over the ropes.}
Alison Valance: Caroline and Itami are eliminated!
{Natasha goes for Nancy who ducks behind the cluster on Serenity. Serenity despite the beating from the two women throws hands with Natasha and the two get into it.}
Iyo Kenshin: Whoa!
Jess Fowler: Fascinating.
Rayne: Well, getting distracted has side effects.
{The lights in the arena dim at the opening drums and guitar. Abigail walks alone out under a soft white spotlight to a mixed reaction. The lights flash sand yellow and soft orange in time with the rhythm. The lyrics of āHallelujah (Iām Not Dead)ā by Citizen Soldier accompany her walk down the ramp. She clenches her jaw before pausing in the middle of the ramp, and looking heavenward. She flings her arms out either side of her offering herself up to a Lord she knew to be no longer there. Before rushing down to the ring.}
Alison Valance: Next down to the ring is Abigail!
Iyo Kenshin: Abigail also had a lot to say coming to this match.
Jess Fowler: After everything that happened last week you canāt blame her, can you?
Rayne: You kinda can.
{Abigail gets into the ring and tosses Nancy over the top rope}
Alison Valance: Nancy has been eliminated!
{Abigail wastes no time as she makes a beeline for Candy and Mimi. Natasha and Serenity are focused on one another entirely now.}
Iyo Kenshin: We are almost down to the last four already.
Jess Fowler: And we havenāt even got all the women out yet.
Rayne: Mai got a lucky draw.
{ 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 rises on the rampway 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 rushing down to the ring. }
Alison Valance: Last into the ring to qualify for the Iron Maiden, Mai Everstone!
Iyo Kenshin: Do you think Abigail and Mai will be hyper-focused on one another as well?
Jess Fowler: It would be boring if they were.
Rayne: Some people have more tension then others.
{Abigail pics up Mimi and tosses her over the top rope just as Mai enters the ring.}
Alison Valance: Mimi has been eliminated!
{Candy seems to be making distance when Serenity knocks Natash into Candy. Natasha seems to take the opportunity presented and grabs Candy tossing her over the top rope.}
Iyo Kenshin: Ope.
Jess Fowler: Wellā¦
Rayne:There it is.
{All that is left in the ring standing are is Mai, Serenity, Abigail, and Natasha.}
Alison Valance: We have the four women who qualify for the Iron Maiden! Now to determine the entrance order of the Iron Maidenā¦.
{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 āThe Devilās Gonna Comeā by Raphael Lake & Royal Baggs begins to play.}
āThe Broken and Fallen, dangled souls been sent to burn,
Nowadays they been calling, telling me soon itās gonna be my turnā¦ā
{A dark red spotlight hits the stage, revealing April standing with her hands on hips.}
āNow I knowā¦ the Devilās gonna come when the sun goes downā¦ā
{April makes her way down to the ring, quickly climbing the ring steps and wiping her feet on the apron before stepping into the ring and walking with purpose to the middle of the ring, raising a hand into the air and clenching it into a fist as the house lights return to normal.}
Alison Valance: First to the ring is April Madrox.
Jess Fowler: Now the fun begins.
Rayne: This should be exciting to see.
Iyo Kenshin: I feel like I missed something.
{Before the music starts, the tron lights to show a red sun slowly rising over a broad expanse of ocean. The image flies apart into a flurry of red feathers and pink flower petals as the music hits. When the introductory chorus drops, Charlotte strides out, right fist pumping into the air in rhythm with the words āOh yeahā.
She circles the outside of the ring after the intro chorus and the first verse, pausing briefly at each side to work the crowd before climbing nimbly up to the apron before the last line of the verse. On the apron, she takes a running start from one corner towards the ringpost opposite. At the last second, she jumps up to the second turnbuckle and flips over the top rope, landing feet together and hands raised just as the chorus hits again. She again circles, pumping her fist high in time with the pounding guitar and screaming vocals of MYTH & ROID.
As the chorus comes to its end, Charlotte stands in the center of the squared circle and bows from her waist to the audience, her hands clasped at her chest. To her fading music, she strides purposefully to her corner and starts shaking out her hands and rolling her neck in preparation for the coming match.}
Alison Valance: Last down to the ring, Charlotte Shimizu!
Iyo Kenshin: Do ou have a favorite for how this goes?
Jess Fowler: No.
Rayne: Chaos.
{With all the women now in the ring the bell rings a second time and things get very intense. Everyone is fighting everyone. There is a moment where in the middle of the chaos Charlotte and April stare down. Itās a very tense moment but Abigail sweeps in and manages to eliminate April to Charlotte's chagrin. Natasha and Serenity are close to eliminating each other but Serenity manages to push Natasha over the top rope first. As serenity is waving goodbye to Natasha Mai pops up and tosses Serenity over the top rope but Serenity manages to hold on and keep her feet from hitting the ground. As Charlotte and Abigail are getting into it Abigail kicks Charlotte in the face, Charlotte manages to clothesline Abigail over the top rope. Mai tries the same sneak approach sheād used on Serenity but Charlotte manages to catch her and toss her over the top as well. Charlotte seems to think for a moment she won before Serenity gets back into the ring and tosses Charlotte.}
Iyo Kenshin: What a great match!
Jess Fowler: I fear this will only add oil to the fire...
Rayne: At least it was fun to watch..
Well howdy there pardner.