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Post by Samira Conway on Jun 26, 2024 4:03:18 GMT
June 25th, 2024Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, Japan  —--------------------------------------------- SHOW OPEN—--------------------------------------------- {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!}------------------------------- HTTT MIXED TAG TEAM MATCHApril Madrox & Dean Harper vs. Vivienne Rodgers & Cyrus Daniels ------------------------------- Alison Valance: The following tag team match is for Hier and Heiress to the throne points! Rayne: We have the two teams with 6 points going head to head here. Iyo Kenshin: It might be something to witness, that’s for sure. Neither side minced words leading up to this match. {The arena lights dim to near darkness, creating an atmosphere of anticipation. The crowd murmurs in excitement, their attention focused on the stage. The opening of "Teardrop" by Like A Storm begins, the didgeridoo and soft piano chords resonating through the arena. As the song builds, a single spotlight illuminates the entrance ramp. A haze of smoke begins to rise, casting an ethereal glow. As the lyrics begin, Vivienne Daniels emerges from the smoke onto the stage first. As the smoke dissipates, Vivienne drops to one knee and lets out a fierce, primal scream. This invites her husband Cyrus out to stand behind her, his large looming presence is a protective shadow over her, in his simple MMA fight gear She wears a dark, intricately designed leather jacket with angelic, yet dark and gothic, wing patterns embroidered on the back. Her hair cascades down her shoulders.
Cyrus drapes a length of steel chain around his wife’s neck, and pulls back until it tightens around her neck. Vivienne looks up at him and throws her arms up in surrender, and as she does, flames explode either side of the ramp way. After the pyros, Cyrus slackens the chain and commands his wife to rise to her feet as his equal. When she does so, he places the chain around his own neck and rewards her compliance with a passionate kiss, before grabbing her by the hand, firmly. The couple march, hand in hand, each step purposeful and deliberate, confident, and predatory.
As they reach the ring, the couple pauses for a moment, taking in the atmosphere and the energy of the crowd. She takes a moment to kiss Cyrus before she ascends the ring steps gracefully. Vivienne steps through the ropes with fluid agility, moving to the center of the ring. She drops down to one knee as Cyrus once again stands behind her, this time grabbing her by the hair and yanking back until she looks up at him and throws her arms up in surrender again. The lights in the arena are reduced to only a single spotlight on the couple for a few moments. A final, dramatic burst of flame from the four turnbuckles around them, in sync with Vivienne’s complete surrender to him and the lights snap back on, illuminating the ring in full. Under her husband’s command, Vivienne lowers her arms slowly, her expression one of unyielding confidence and readiness, much to the delight of Cyrus who mirrors her composure. He lets her go, and she stands by his side, his perfect partner.}Alison Valance: First down to the ring, as Partners in Crime…Cyrus Daniels and Vivienne Daniels. Rayne: That….Happened. Iyo Kenshin: It… certainly did.
{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 “The Devil’s Gonna Come” by Raphael Lake & Royal Baggs begins to play.}“The Broken and Fallen, dangled souls been sent to burn,
Nowadays they been calling, telling me soon it’s gonna be my turn…”{A dark red spotlight hits the stage, revealing April standing with her hands on hips.}“Now I know… the Devil’s gonna come when the sun goes down…”{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.
The crowd grow silent as the lights go out as the beginning of Freak Flag gets louder the stage area starts to fill with smoke. Suddenly, and abruptly as the drums and guitars kick in a pyro explodes around the stage.}“We're taught to be like them
Taught to know our place
We kept the pace but we're done pretending
We'll fall blindly through the fairy tale endings"{Pyro explodes either side of the rampway as Dean Harper appears through the red tinted smoke. He stands with his arms outstretched, fists balled up soaking in the reaction from the crowd before walking down to the ring slowly. He jumps up onto the apron before springing on the bottom rope into the ring. Once in the center of the ring, he spreads his arms wide as he soaks in the red flashing lights before lifting his head sharply, kicking back the hood to show his face, nodding in rhythm to the music as he slowly breaks into a wicked grin. After a few moments, he turns and settles into his corner, tossing his hood and jacket to ringside.}Alison Valance: Second down to the ring, April Madrox and Dean Harper! Rayne: April and Dean have been working well together so far, but will it be enough? Iyo Kenshin: Unclear? {The match starts with April Madrox and Vivienne Rodgers squaring off. April uses her speed and agility to dodge Vivienne's initial power moves, executing a series of arm drags and dropkicks to keep her off balance. Vivienne counters with a powerful clothesline, sending April to the mat.
Dean Harper tags in, bringing his aggressive Reckless High-Flyer style to the forefront. He lands heavy strikes on Cyrus, who responds with a Chokeslam Backbreaker. The crowd roars as both wrestlers exchange blows, showing off their resilience. Dean gains the upper hand with a well-timed Descent into Hell, then tags April back in.
April capitalizes on the hot tag, getting momentum on Vivienne and trying to secure it with a Butterfly Kisses . Cyrus Daniels storms the ring, tossing the ref aside with ease. Dean rushes in to assist, but Cyrus catches him with a devastating belly-to-belly suplex.
The tide turns as Cyrus and Vivienne isolate April in their corner, utilizing quick tags to maintain control. April's resilience shines through as she counters a double-team move with a Pop-up followed by a dropkick, sending Vivienne crashing into Cyrus. She makes the hot tag to Dean, who enters with a fury.
Dean takes on both opponents, delivering a flurry of strikes and a Up is Down to Cyrus, knocking him out of the ring. He then focuses on Vivienne, hitting a Dance the Spiral as the ref is stirring on the outside. Dean quickly tags April in before launching himself with a Screaming from the Sky on Cyrus on the outside of the ring, leading to a brawl.
Inside the ring, April climbs to the top rope, waiting for Vivienne to rise. She leaps for a crossbody, but Vivienne catches her mid-air and transitions into a powerslam. Vivienne covers, but Vivienne head butts April to break the pin.}{In the final moments, chaos ensues as all four wrestlers are in the ring. April and Dean hit synchronized superkicks on Vivienne, followed by a double-team maneuver—a combination of Dean's Step up Enzurgiri into April's Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang. April covers Vivienne while Dean fends off Cyrus, securing the three-count and the victory.}Alison Valance: And your winners, April Madrox and Dean Harper! Rayne: That makes them the team with the most points. Iyo Kenshin: It certainly does. ------------------------------- SEGMENT1000 Word Limit Participant: Randon Haynes Randon Haynes responds to Jennie Fenix's recent state of Sacrifice address. ------------------------------- {The camera focuses on a shot of Randon Haynes, seated behind his desk, wearing both a neck and traction brace.}
Randon Haynes: Welcome to Odyssey. My show. {Randon clears his throat.}
Randon Haynes: Now some of you may be wondering why I haven't addressed you by now, and I assure you it was through no fault of my own. I lay the blame for my absence solely on the shoulders of that red-headed blight, Cliff Cook, who ruthlessly beat me with a kendo stick at Night of the Immortals. My C4 through C10 vertebrae have all suffered significant bruising due to trauma! It is a testament to my fortitude that I am even here tonight! {Pausing briefly, Randon winces.}
Randon Haynes: The painful truth of the matter is, my professional wrestling career is over though. After the damage Cliff so callously and viciously inflicted upon me, I wasn't even sure if I'd be able to fulfil my duties as the General Manager of Odyssey. I am agonizing over the possibility that I may not be able to bowl again in my recreational bowling league. Simple, mundane tasks such as placing my laundry in the hamper for my housekeeper have become difficult. I can barely muster the strength to write her a check! {Haynes touches his hand to his neck brace.}
Randon Haynes: I suffered all of this just so Cliff Cook could keep his insidious employment arrangement a secret. {Randon closes his eyes for a moment.}
Randon Haynes: I face an uncertain future. I may never be able to bowl again. My housekeeper may be forced to take on a greater burden around my home. What I will not allow, however, under any circumstances, is for that reprehensible Ginger and his infantile boss, Jennie Fenix, to best me. That is why I am here, on Odyssey, to produce the best program possible. {Haynes struggles to take a sip of water.}
Randon Haynes: Unlike Jennifer, I don't need to make a spectacle of myself in the middle of the ring to announce my intentions. Some of you may not like me, but I have never been anything but honest with all of you. Your Women's Champion and Sacrifice General Manager is the one that has deceived us all for over a year! And if she truly had nothing to hide, why not simply be honest with us all from the very beginning? {Randon gives the question a moment to linger.}
Randon Haynes: I will do what Jennie Fenix is clearly incapable of though, which is to be clear and transparent with everyone! This is my brand moving forward, and it isn't a democracy. The first order of business is to wash the stench of that Ginger from this brand, so from this point forward, anyone found drinking a Boba, discussing Bobas, or looking at Boba menus will be fined one thousand dollars per occurrence. The word Boba is BANNED from this point forward. {Randon reaches down, painfully lifting a jar and putting it on his desk with a piece of paper taped to the front, with the words "Boba fine jar" written on it.}
Randon Haynes: The second order of business is that if Jennie Fenix ever competes on this program, I assure you all she will have no advantages. Despite our acrimonious working relationship, I will welcome her, however. {Randon forces a smile.}
Randon Haynes: There will be other things to be addressed at the proper time. I have taken up enough of your time though, so let's get you back to the action. ------------------------------- HTTT MIXED TAG TEAM MATCHAbigail & Tytus Rost vs. Natasha Walker & Allen Chaney ------------------------------- { 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 ‘Hallelujah (I’m Not Dead)’ by Citizen Soldier accompany her walk down the ramp. She clenches her jaw before pausing in the middle of the ramp, and looking heavenward. She flings her arms out either side of her offering herself up to a Lord she knew to be no longer there.
When there was no salvation, she cracks her neck slightly and continues her journey down the ramp under her own power. She walked up the steps, not to heaven, but into the ring. Ready to defend her position in life, as fiercely as she once defended her faith. Under the spotlight, in the middle of the ring, she drops to her knees and lets out a rebellious yell heavenward as she throws her head back. She breathes heavily, as she focuses on the challenge ahead. The music slowly fades and the lights return to normal as she slips off her waistcoat, ready to compete. }Rayne: Abigail is the first one to enter the ring, and she looks laser focused on winning here tonight. Iyo Kenshin: She’s definitely a favorite for the overall tournament, especially with a partner like Tytus Rost backing her up. {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 … from Norilsk, Siberia … The Russian Lion … Tytus … Rost! {Rost’s 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.}Iyo Kenshin: This is probably the strongest man in the tournament right here! He is just pure, raw strength, and you know he can’t wait to get his hands on Allen. Rayne: Definitely a big guy, and definitely a favorite to finally do what has eluded him for all these years. Getting a shot at the world championship. { "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, taking a moment to hop to sit on the top rope Facing the crowd in a corner before draping backwards slowly to hang herself back and the use her extraordinary flexibility to pitch back onto her feet with a smile. }Rayne: And here we go, the last of the litter of the Birds of Prey. You know she’s got to feel some kind of pressure knowing that Charlotte Shimizu and Pax Stormcrow are the current frontrunners in their division, and we could see Charlotte earn a rematch against Jennie Fenix. Iyo Kenshin: But it’s not something that she can think about. She has to think about what she can do! And nothing else! { The Richard Pryor quote followed by the piano intro of ‘Shimmy Shimmy Ya’ plays and Allen emerges from the curtain. }‘Ooh, baby, I like it raw x4’{ 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 squad’{ 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. }‘Wu-Tang Killer Bees on a swarm
Rain on ya college ass, disco dorm
For you to even touch my skill
You gotta have the one killer Bee and he ain't gonna kill now
Chop that down, pass it all around
Lyrics get hard, quick cement to the ground
For any MC in any 52 states
I get psycho killer, Norman Bates'{ Allen marches up the ring steps and enters the ring, giving the referee a friendly pat on the back before going to his corner and sitting down focused but also kind of vibing to his own music. }Iyo Kenshin: And here is the 2024 Joker in the Pack! Allen Chaney! He’s looking to be one of the only people to win Heir to the Throne and Joker in the Pack in one year, and don’t forget that he was close to also winning the Roulette! Imagine if he had done all of that in one year? Rayne: I don’t think it would be possible as Joker in the Pack and the Roulette winner takes on the champion on the same night. Iyo Kenshin: But could you imagine? { Natasha and Abigail start off the match at the start of the bell, going right into a collar-and-elbow lock up! Abigail is able to sneak in a quick kick to Natasha, driving the wind right out of the green superstar and the veteran punishes her with a swift swinging neckbreaker! Abigail scrambles right for the cover but Natasha gets a shoulder up before Colt Collins can even get into position for the count – Abigail begins to pummel Natasha relentlessly! Allen is on the corner calling for Colt to regain control of the match, as Tytus looks ready to enter the match in case Allen gets into the ring…the partner opts to wisely stay on the ring apron allowing Colt Collins to do his job, as he warns Abigail about the knuckles. Abigail argues with Colt for a moment, giving Natasha time to get back to her feet, and the moment she does, Abigail moves forward and delivers another swift kick that sends Natasha back down, and Abigail is right there with clubbing blows to keep her opponent grounded! Natasha fights back to her feet throughout the strikes, but goes straight into a front headlock! Abigail wrenches with the hold, and Natasha is trying to alleviate some of the pressure but Abigail has it in.
Natasha manages to back Abigail to a neutral corner, and Colt calls for the rope break! Abigail holds on for an extra couple of seconds, but then releases – she shoots out of the corner for a clothesline against Natasha, but NATASHA DUCKS! The crowd goes into a frenzy as Natasha Walker is finally getting some offense in with a series of palm strikes that battle the brawler back several steps – Natasha is able to catch Abigail with a HURRICANRANA that she immediately goes into the cover with! }ONE! TWO! ABIGAIL KICKS OUT! { Abigail is a little surprised by the turn of events – on the ring apron, Tytus is calling for the tag, but Natasha charges her! Abigail counters for a clothesline, but Natasha ducks under and springs off of the middle rope catching Abigail with a CROSSBODY! Natasha covers her again, all the while Allen Chaney is rallying behind his partner to keep her fire alive! }ONE! TWO! ABIGAIL KICKS OUT! { Just a hair sooner than the previous attempt, Abigail is looking to shift the momentum back in her favor – she returns to her feet and stumbles back looking to make the tag to Tytus, but Natasha is there to shove her against the ropes and sends her off with an Irish-whip into the Allen Chaney corner, and comes in with a cartwheel back elbow into the corner! Allen holds his hands up to show Colt that he’s not intervening at all.
Natasha grabs Abigail by the head and looks to sail her over with a snapmare, but Abigail shoves her off – she throws an elbow at Allen that catches his chin, and Allen looks ready to get involved right there, but Abigail rushes out and catches Natasha with a Lou Thesz Press! She goes right into the punches, but Colt is there to stop her after about five of them, and Abigail springs to her jabbering at Colt momentarily – Natasha rolls onto her stomach, and eventually to her knees when Abigail spots the opportunity and hits the LITTLE LIGHT O’ MINE! Abigail goes straight for the cover! }
ONE! TWO! KICKOUT! { Abigail controls Natasha back to her feet, wasting no time as she is setting her up for BLIND FAITH! Natasha is able to spin out of it, dazed from the spin, but dives and gets the tag to ALLEN CHANEY! The crowd is out of their seats as Colt Collins ushers Abigail to the ring apron, and she protests that she doesn’t wanna get out of the ring – Tytus shows no indication of backing away from the 2024 Joker in the Pack as he meets him in the center of the ring, but a series of SMOOTH ELBOWS from Allen Chaney keeps Tytus dazed with every shot! Abigail finally gets onto the ring apron, and is calling for Tytus to bring her and Natasha back into the match, but the two men are trading back and forth but it seems like Allen Chaney is getting the upper hand here…
Tytus defends himself to the best of his ability, but Allen doesn’t give him any room to breathe while continuing to go to town with the strikes…he sends Tytus into a neutral corner, and follows in for a body splash! Tytus counters with an elbow! Allen staggers back to the center of the ring, and Tytus explodes out with EVENT HORIZON! Allen persists back to his feet, although hurting from the pounce, and Tytus is right there with RASPUTIN’S KISS! The clothesline almost decapitates Allen Chaney, and Tytus Rost covers…Abigail is readying to get into the ring as Natasha is still gathering herself together, and looks like she may need to make the save. }ONE! TWO! ALLEN GETS A SHOULDER UP! { Natasha and Abigail were both closing in, Natasha looking to make the save and Abigail looking to intercept her – but there was no need as Allen Chaney managed to get his shoulder up just in the nick of time. Tytus controls Allen back to his feet, and is signaling for the end of the match as he hoists Allen Chaney onto his shoulders! Allen is battling back with elbows to Tytus’s skull, and manages to break free! Allen Chaney with another series of SMOOTH ELBOWS and then a stiff kick, pulling him right in for THE SET-UP! Allen Chaney has Tytus Rost covered! }ONE! TWO! ABIGAIL WITH A BASEMENT DROPKICK TO MAKE THE SAVE! { Natasha was a hair too late in intercepting Abigail, and Colt Collins is there trying to get both women back to their respective corners… Abigail argues a moment longer with Colt, as Natasha is calling for the hot tag…Allen shakes off the dropkick and stands back up, as does Tytus Rost – the two big men exchange haymakers with each other in the center of the ring! Each punch is slow, but powerful, and each one dazes the opponent. After three of them, the punches come in a more rapid succession and the crowd is getting more and more fired up every shot they take at each other! Natasha and Abigail are itching to get back into the ring, but Natasha eases a little when Allen gains the upper hand against Tytus Rost – Allen ducks under a wild haymaker, and catches Tytus Rost with a BACK BODY DROP! Tytus Rost is in the perfect position, and Allen gestures Natasha away from the corner.
She listens, and Allen springs to the first turnbuckle, MOONSAULT! Back up, and to the second turnbuckle: MOONSAULT! Back up, and to the third turnbuckle! MOONSAULT! Natasha waits for Colt to get into position! HE COUNTS! Abigail is already rushing into the ring, and Natasha is there to intercept her this time! }ONE! TWO! THREE! DING! DING! DING! Alison Valance: Your winners! BY WAY OF PINFALL! ALLEN CHANEY! AND NATASHA! WALKER! Iyo Kenshin: It was some good back and forth action throughout that match, and I thought for sure that the way Allen and Tytus were slamming each other around, the ring was going to crumble! But here we have it, Allen Chaney and Natasha Walker win! Rayne: Abigail doesn’t look too pleased by the result. ------------------------------- SEGMENT1000 Word Limit Participant: Jason "J-TV" Hathaway Jason Hathaway dissects the chaos at the end of last weeks episode of Sacrifice and prepares for his next title defence. ------------------------------- {We cut backstage, outside a locker room door labelled 'Gladiator Champion'. The word 'Gladiator' is conspicuously crossed out with black marker and replaced with the word 'Television' in rather sloppy fashion. Standing outside is backstage correspondent Cali Robbins. }Cali Robbins: "I'm standing outside the locker room of Gladiator Champion Jason 'J-TV' Hathaway, who has been radio silent on all social media since the first loss of his career last week. Tonight, I'm hoping to have a word with Jason, and see where his head is at."
{Turning around, Cali raises a hand and knocks loudly on the door. There's nothing but silence on the other side, so Cali raises her hand again and knocks even harder. Before she can finish, the door swings open, and her fist hits the surface of the old Television Championship belt slung over a somewhat distressed looking Jason Hathaway's chest like a bandolier. Hathaway casts a cold gaze down on Robbins, who steps back meekly.}Cali Robbins: "Jason, I'm sorry to bother you. I was hoping maybe you'd be willing to speak with me for a moment." {Hathaway, unusually quiet and reclusive, rolls his eyes and begins to slink back into his dressing room, but spots the camera filming the interaction and stops. Biting his tongue, he looks between the camera and Robbins for a moment before reluctantly nodding and stepping forward again.}Jason 'J-TV' Hathaway: "Yeah, alright. Let's make it snappy though, yeah?" {Robbins lights up and cracks a grin.}Cali Robbins: "Of course! Now, last week you suffered your first loss in the IWF, in what many people consider to be an incredible upset victory. In the process, Your Cameraman Robbie looked to have been hurt, as well. How do you refocus after such a derailing loss, and is Robbie doing okay? What does this mean for your next title defense?"
{Jason seems less than pleased by the choice of questions, and quickly reaches out and snatches the microphone out of Cali's hands, who retreats back a couple steps.}
Jason 'J-TV' Hathaway: "You got a lot of nerve, kickin' a man when he's down. Yeah... Yeah, I lost. I lost by count out. Those numpties sure as hell didn't pin me. You call that a derailing loss? I could take on both of those idiots with a hand tied behind my back and come out on top." {Pursing her lips, Cali leans in towards the microphone.}Cali Robbins: "All due respect, Jason... Why didn't you win, then?" Jason 'J-TV' Hathaway: "You know damned well as everybody else why! I was saddled with a walking Hot-Topic mascot as a tag-team partner. Not only that, my bonehead of a Camera Guy can't stand within fifty feet of said mascot without getting the butterflies! Now my record is tainted with a dash-1 at the end, because I had the heart to make sure Robbie was still breathing! Because I'm a humanitarian!
{Cali goes in for another question, but is interrupted by a male voice coming in from off camera.}??: "Jay! Hey, wait a second man!" {Robbie the Camera Guy walks in-between Jason and Cali, his bags still slung over his shoulder. Jason immediately turns to retreat to the dressing room, but Robbie reaches out and grabs his arm, pulling him back out.}Robbie: "What the hell, man? You've been dodging me all week! Won't return my texts, answer my calls... Didn't even book the same flight as me! Is this about the count-out? Dude, I already got a new camera, this one is loads better. Just wait, next week I'll--" Jason 'J-TV' Hathaway: "It's not about the fuckin' camera! It's about my record! It's about my titles!" Jason snaps, and Robbie reels back a bit, frowning. Robbie: "You know that wasn't my fault, dude. I would have understood if you'd focused on the match instead of me." {Hathaway starts to respond, but shoots a look at Cali Robbins, who's still lingering behind Robbie. She skirts away, sensing she's suddenly quite unwelcome.}Jason 'J-TV' Hathaway: "Look... I'm miffed you can't keep your head straight around Serenity, and I won't lie to you and say I haven't but the blame on you at least in part, but... I know it wasn't your fault. Okay? That's why I'm so pissed off. These belts... the record I've built up here? They mean everything to me, Robbie. I got cocky, and I lost to a pair of absolute nobodies. Now I have to ask myself, can I do what I do at this level, when I'm worrying about you? When I'm worrying about..." {Jason gestures towards the camera.}Jason 'J-TV' Hathaway: "...This?"
{Robbie squints and shakes his head, visibly confused by the implications of the question.} Robbie: "What are you talking about? That was the whole point of this, to do something different. To be entertaining, to prove you can be successful without being serious all the damned time. What, you want to end it? Wanna cancel the show? We haven't even finished paying off the Studio yet."
{Hathaway shakes his head, running a hand through his hair and leaning against the doorframe with a sigh. }Jason 'J-TV' Hathaway: "No, no. I didn't say that. But I need to focus up, and we do need to change some things. If I rack up any more losses to no-name scrubs like those two, then I'm every bit the 'Gladiator' that Verona and the suit brigade are trying to label me."
{Jason quickly looks at the camera and then steps aside, holding the door open for Robbie to enter the Dressing Room.}Jason 'J-TV' Hathaway: "I have an idea. Get your skinny ass in here so we can talk." {Robbie shuffles through into the dressing room, leaving Hathaway alone with the camera. Finally, for just a moment, that shit-eating grin of his returns with a vengeance.}Jason 'J-TV' Hathaway: "Sorry, private party. But, for anybody out there doubting me? For anybody already counting my days before I lose this belt? Don't get your hopes up. I don't give a damn who steps up to bat next, I'm not about to be caught off guard again. Because the ratings my dip, but there's not a soul alive in this business who can cancel..." "J. T. V." ------------------------------- HTTT MIXED TAG TEAM MATCHKasey Vex & Nick Knight vs. Rini Ishikawa & Masao Akiyama ------------------------------- Alison Valance: The following tag team match is an Uneasy Alliance match for the Heir to the Throne! Introducing first, from Night City. Weighing in at 120 lbs… Kasey Vex! { The sweet, melodic voice of Poppy streams through the speakers around the arena, layered over a quiet backbeat. But with the final whisper of the intro, the drumbeat kicks in and the lights in the arena begin flashing erratically. It’s enough to distract the crowd as a singular figure seemingly appears out of nowhere at the top of the entrance, and as the vocals picked up again a spotlight shone down on the figure, drawing the attention of the crowd back to the entrance stage. Long pink hair to the waist sways beneath a white fox skull mask obscuring the face of the competitor. Behind her stands a man, almost towering over her with his long, lanky frame. The woman slowly begins stalking down the aisle, her dark-eyed gaze behind the mask darting back and forth to the crowd on either side of her but makes no move to acknowledge their outstretched hands to her, with the taller man sauntering behind her with a smirk across his face. }Iyo Kenshin: There’s a lot of tension in this team. I’m wondering if Nick Knight and Kasey Vex are going to be able to work together. Rayne: I’ve had my share of uneasy tag team matches. I know about being teamed up with someone I don’t like but you gotta keep your eye on the goal at hand. Winning the match. { As she approaches the ring and saunters around to the side, she leaps nimbly up to the apron and crouches low, her head turning slowly across the front row of fans before she turns to slide underneath the bottom rope and crawls her way to the center of the ring. She crouches there for another moment before smoothly rising to her feet and slowly removing the mask, revealing the face of Kasey Vex. But rather than the normally chipper expression she usually wears, her face is strangely devoid of any emotion as her brown eyes sweep the crowd once more before she stalks over to her corner and drops into a crouch, back against the turnbuckle and her arms draped over the second ropes. Outside of the ring, Edwyn Merrick keeps a watchful eye on her, arms folded across his chest and the same sly smirk still present on his face. }Iyo Kenshin: You would think they could put things aside for the duration of the match? Rayne: Once you start passing blame and pointing fingers it’s pretty hard to get on the same page. { Ecstasy Of Gold starts to play over the sound system as Nick Knight steps onto the entrance ramp. The wide-brimmed hat, trench coat, and plague doctor’s mask of ‘The Savior of Professional Wrestling’ have been stripped away leaving only the plain black leather pants and snakeskin boots of ‘The Slayer of Gods.’ }Alison Valance: And her tag team partner, from Hollywood, California. Weighing in at 245 lbs, Nick Knight! Iyo Kenshin: There has been a lot of finger pointing going around. Rayne: Nick Knight threatened to leave Vex all on her lonesome. Hard to team with someone when things have broken down that badly. { Knight slowly makes his way towards the ring. Once he reaches ringside, he rolls into the ring as the camera zooms in on him stalking back and forth. }Alison Valance: And their opponents. Introducing first, from Sapporo, Japan. Weighing in at 115 lbs, Rini Ishikawa! { The lights dim in the area, and the Imperialtron slowly lights to show a dancing figurine turning slowly in a music box to the soft chimes of a simple melody and the sound of bells tolling in rhythm with the music. After ten seconds, the music suddenly picks up, full of synth. Rini virtually bounces into view, her overcoat swirling around her as she almost runs from one side of the stage to the other, waving with unbridled enthusiasm. Rini keeps beaming smiles and waving all the way down the ramp. She wipes her feet quickly on the outside and climbs between the ropes. }Iyo Kenshin: The crowd is coming alive for Rini Ishikawa! Rayne: Me, I don’t get it. This is a serious business and it needs serious people. { Once inside the ring, she strikes a dramatic pose, her left hand on her hip and her right hand forming a sideways V next to her eye, still grinning. She holds the pose for a few beats and then goes to her corner. }Alison Valance: And her partner, from Kagoshima, Japan. Weighing in at 275 lbs, Masao Akiyama! { "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. }Rayne: Now this is a matchup that I was waiting for. Two of the hardest hitting men in this tournament going head to head. Iyo Kenshin: Certainly a dream match for some { Alison slips out of the ring as the official checks over all of the competitors. There is some conversation, noticeably more heated from the team of Knight and Vex, before it is decided that Masao and Nick would start things off. The official does a final check in with both of them before signaling for the bell. The two men walk to the center of the ring as the crowd roars with approval for both of them. Masao is the bigger man, but the Hollywood Butcher does not seem bothered by it, looking up at the other man with defiance in his eyes. The two share some words that the mic isn’t able to pick up before Nick takes a step back and gestures at his chest. }Iyo Kenshin: Nick Knight has something to prove tonight. Rayne: Nick Knight is one of the toughest SOBs in the company. He’s not the one who has anything to prove tonight. { Nick yells at Masao, slapping his own chest and tells the other man to hit him. Masao, for his part, reaches his hand out and pats Nick on the chest before laying into him with a chop. Nick takes a step back, muscles standing in profile as he clenches his fist, before he staggers forward again. Masao simply smiles at him before he crosses his arms behind his back to present his own chest to him. Nick does not hesitate, hauling off with one of the heavy chops that he is known for. Masao takes a few steps back as he hisses in pain but his hands remain behind his back. }Iyo Kenshin: Nick Knight is giving as good as he got! Rayne: Masao is the bigger competitor. He might even be the stronger athlete in this match. But you don’t want to go toe to toe with a man like Knight in a striking competition. { The two men exchange blows, leaving themselves open to take the return hit for a while until a miscue causes them both to chop each other at the same time. The power of both strikes send each man to one knee. Masao winds up for another strike, but the wily veteran reaches out to rake his eyes before grabbing his head to lay in with some headbutts. }Iyo Kenshin: Well, so much for a sporting opportunity. Rayne: Masao left himself open and Nick Knight took advantage. That’s what you learn after so long in this business. Kid’s got a lot to learn. { The crowd rains down boos on Nick Knight as he drives Masao into the mat with headbutt after headbutt. Nick Knight shots down at the prone Masao for a moment before he gets back to his feet, dragging his younger opponent after him. He starts to lift him into a German Suplex but a few back elbows stifle his efforts. Nick, not to be deterred, follows up with several forearm blows to the back of Masao’s head. Nick once again tries to go for the German, but Masao picks him up and falls backward with a Samoan drop. He goes for the cover but Nick Knight throws his shoulder up at only a 1 count. }Iyo Kenshin: Quick thinking by Masao gets him a pin opportunity but it’s only for a 1 count. Rayne: Nick hadn’t taken near enough damage. Should have followed up with more offense instead of going for the pin. { The two men go for a lock up in the center of the ring, both battling back and forth to try and get control of the hold. Eventually, Masao’s superior size and strength avails him, slowly pushing Nick backwards by brute force alone. Nick thinks quickly and lashes out with his boot. Masao, expecting the low blow, shifts his leg in the way. But the wily veteran expected the reaction and his target was the larger man’s knee. The strike shakes Masao enough that Nick Knight is able to bring him down onto the mat with a Snap suplex that shakes the ring. He moves in for a cover, but Masao is able to power out at barely a two count. Nick, not letting up, starts to rain down some clubbing blows onto Masao, intent to finish the match early. He goes for another cover but this time Masao kicks out at 2 with authority to the roar of the crowd. }Rayne: Nick’s veteran knowledge comes into play again. He’s playing chess while Masao is playing checkers. Iyo Kenshin: Perhaps so, but Masao isn’t close to being done yet. { Nick Knight drags Masao back to his feet, only to send him back to the mat with a Snap Saito suplex. Nick regains his feet to put his boots to the bigger opponent, keeping him down with each heavy stomp from his boots. In desperation, Masao grabs hold of Nick’s leg, holding it tightly. When Nick tries to pry it away, a stiff forearm to Nick’s leg knocks the veteran off his feet and allows Masao to roll him over into a single leg crab. Unfortunately, he is too close to the ropes and Nick Knight is able to break the hold with a scramble to the ropes. }Rayne: Quick thinking by Masao there. Nick was starting to regain the match. A hold, even one near the ropes can often be enough to break up someone’s rhythm. Iyo Kenshin: Masao has taken a beating, he may want to try and tag his partner in and catch a breather. { Nick doesn’t seem very interested in that happening, however. He stands in the ring between Masao and Rini, who is slapping the turnbuckle to encourage her partner. He crouches down, holding up both hands and beckons Masao forward. The younger competitor just smiles at Nick and nods his head before charging him. Nick attempts to stop the bull rush with a kick to the midsection that doubles Masao over, but does not stop him. He absorbs the blow and slams into Nick with a running shoulder block and bullies the man across the ring so that Rini can reach in and tag him across the back to the roar of the crowd. }Iyo Kenshin: Tags are made! Rayne: But at what cost? Masao ate that boot to the midsection. He’s going to be feeling it later. { Nick is not content with the action, and he and Masao continue to exchange blows in the corner even as Rini flips into the ring. She frowns visibility at the two still fighting in the ring and tries to get their attention to get them to stop. Kasey has no such compunctions and rushes across the ring to hit Rini with a Spring board Enziguri that staggers the smaller woman across the ring to the obvious boos of the crowd. }Rayne: It’s like I said at the beginning. You gotta keep your eye on the prize here. Iyo Kenshin: There are still two illegal competitors in the ring. What is someone supposed to do with that? Rayne: Fight! That’s what we are paid for after all. { The official gets involved with Masao and Nick, trying to get the two men out of the ring. The kick staggered Rini but not dropped her. Kasey runs at her, moving to hit her with a sling blade. Kasey rolls to her feet, pumping her fists to build herself up, but the cheers of the crowd cause her to turn around just in time to see Rini kip up to her feet. The smaller woman winks at Kasey before striking a pose, holding the ‘V’ symbol next to her eyes. }Iyo Kenshin: I suppose you are going to talk about taking things seriously. Rayne: Actually no. I think Rini needs to get her head on straight. But these kind of mind games can really put off your opponent. { Kasey lets out a shout of frustration and charges at Rini. However, the Magical girl is ready for her, doubling her over with a Kitchen Sink. Rini shouts out to the crowd in Japanese, earning herself another pop before she falls onto Kasey with an elbow drop that doubles her over. Kasey struggles to get back to her feet but Rini brings her back down to the mat with a Headlock takeover and the two struggle on the mat as Rini tries to lock in a sleeper hold while Kasey uses her flexibility to squirm out of the way of the hold being applied. The official has managed to finally break up Nick and Masao, pushing Nick back over to his corner. }Iyo Kenshin: Go Rini go! Rayne: Try to have some professional decorum Iyo. We are supposed to be unbiased here. Iyo Kenshin: I can’t help it! She’s just so… sparkly! Rayne: Kill me, please. { The two women get to a stand still in the center of the ring, Rini trying to apply a hold and Kasey wiggling her way out of it. Eventually Rini lifts her arms up, holding them palms out towards Kasey. Kasey slowly nods her head as the two of them disentangle themselves and rise to their feet. Rini smiles and forms a heart with her hands at Kasey before offering her hand out to engage in a lock up. Kasey sneers at her antics before slowly reaching out to take her hand so that the two of them lock up in the center of the ring. }Rayne: This is a mistake for Kasey. Her Lucha style background needs distance and she can’t hope to match Rini for power. Iyo Kenshin: That’s true. Rini brings a lot of power for such a small package. { Indeed, in no short order it is clear that Rini has the advantage in a test of strength. With quick thinking. Kasey responds with a sharp knee strike to Rini’s midsection, doubling the smaller woman over. She grabs hold of Rini and whips her towards the ropes before running after her. She leaps into the air to hit a backstabber, but Rini has the presence of mind to grab hold to the ropes when she reaches them and powers Kasey off her back. Kasey rolls to her feet only to be met with a kick to the midsection from Rini who then drops her onto the mat with a powerful DDT. }Iyo Kenshin: Big power in a small package! That’s my pretty guardian. Rayne: I’m gonna be sick. { Rini peels Kasey off the mat and sends her flying into the corner with a powerful Irish whip that causes the woman to collide heavily with the turnbuckle. Rini is quick to follow up, running after Kasey to hit her with a jumping hip attack in the corner. Kasey slumps down to a seated position in the corner, which causes the crowd to jump out of their seats, stomping and clapping as they cheer. }Iyo Kenshin: Oh boy! I think we are gonna see it! Rayne: Just finish her already! { Rini looks around at the crowd with a beaming smile as she nods her head. Then she forms her hands into finger guns, pointing at Kasey with her right hand as her left arm wraps around her other arm in a particular iconic pose before she runs forward to slam both of her knees into the seated Kasey Vex. }Iyo Kenshin: Kaguya’s Tears! Rayne: That’s all she wrote for this match! { Rini drags Kasey out of the corner before rolling on top of her as she grabs her leg. }1! 2! 3! { The bell rings and the crowd erupts in cheers as New Moon Ni Koishite plays from the speakers. Rini jumps to her feet, her arms in the air in excitement as the official comes into the ring to lift her arm in the end. In a short period of time, Masao joins her in the center. }Alison Valance: Your winner by pinfall! Rini Ishikawa and Masao Akiyama! { Ringside staff move in to check on Kasey as she hasn’t moved from her place on the mat. Nick Knight simply leaps off the apron and stalks his way to the back, shaking his head. Rini is trying to lift Masao's hand into the air, which given the height difference is both ridiculous and adorable as she bounces happily in the ring while Masao smiles and shifts in place. }------------------------------- SEGMENT1000 Word Limit Participant: Willy Carter Warren Harper sits down with Willy Carter to discuss his field of opponents in the Heir to the Throne. ------------------------------- Terri Morasco: Up next, we will hear from the two time and current reigning Men’s World Champion, who earlier today sat down with Willy Carter in an exclusive interview to share his thoughts and opinions on this year’s Heir To The Throne and his potential future challengers. Vasco Dias: I’d say so far, the firm favourites for Harper’s next challenger are Pax Stormcrow, Dean Harper or Cyrus Daniels, but there are also dark horses like Madjinn, Tytus Rost and Allen Chaney… {From the announce table, we cut to backstage, inside Warren Harper’s private luxury locker-room. Willy Carter sat across from Warren Harper. Willy occupied one of two brown leather seats, on the left, in a smart salmon pink shirt and red tie with cream pants. Warren occupied the other on the right, in a short sleeve sky blue shirt and black trousers.
The World Championship was securely fastened around Warren’s waist, almost as it was a core part of his identity and self worth now.
Willy coughs to clear his throat.}
Willy Carter: Ladies and gentleman, welcome. I’m Willy Carter and I’m here with the man who finally achieved the seemingly impossible at Night of the Immortals a few weeks ago, Warren Harper. Now, history will remember you as the first man to ever win and then successfully defend the World Championship at the biggest Immortals event ever. Not only did you tap out your husband Dean for the first time ever in his career, but then you went on to defeat a very game Caleb Cannin, the 2023 Joker In the Pack briefcase winner. Such landmark victories back to back in your career have got to feel pretty good, right? Warren Harper: I’m not going to lie to you Carter, it feels pretty fucking fantastic to be sitting where I’m sitting right now at this point in my career. Especially when five years ago, I was sincerely considering just moving on from the business. I was tired, I was spent and I was sick of being taken for granted, not by any one individual, but the business as a whole. If my dear, sweet half sister Dawn didn’t throw me a lifeline when she did, chances are good I’d be dead and buried alongside my father in the family mausoleum. Mentally, I was in the darkest, most hopeless place I’ve ever been. I just felt empty, hollow, and exhausted. Like somebody else was piloting and I was just a passenger in my own life. Willy Carter: Wow, that sounds tough. No wonder you took six months away from this business altogether to travel around Europe. What exactly changed on your trip there and what brought you back to the industry? Warren Harper: Mostly, a tremendous feeling of unfulfillment. It is well documented that I’ve always felt burdened and tremendous pressure to succeed because of who my biological father was, and the legacy he left behind. The shoes of Spike Kane are still beyond my ability to fill to be honest, but I tried and I’m going to keep trying because if there’s one thing I know very well it’s how to be damn stubborn. Still when I returned back then, I thought I was finally getting my shit together. I had the happiest and most personally and professionally fulfilling two and a half years of my career, I won a few Championships, including my first World Championship in 2021 and the World Tag Team Championships with the love of my life, Dean, and even married him during our reign in the Summer of 2022. I felt on top of the damned world at that point in my life - and then the injury bug bit us both, and things quickly turned to shit again. Dean was more eager to return than I was at the time, but eventually the itch to get back in the ring returned for me too and in under a year, I found myself back at the PC training, determined to earn myself a new contract. Willy Carter: What motivated you most during that time? Warren Harper: Honestly? Pride. I couldn’t let some bullshit injury take me out. I couldn’t let my legacy be one of a Tag Team Champion who got injured just a few months into his reign. I was miserable sitting around at home and I was a horrible person to live with during that time because I’ve never been good at the whole rehab thing. I’m an awful patient, especially when I’m forced to stay in one place too long against my will, even when I know it’s in my best interest and to preserve my health. I unfairly blamed Dean for all my problems and that caused all sorts of issues in our marriage. It hadn’t even been a year and I felt myself being dragged back to that dark place in the back of my mind again. Truth is, Willy that no matter how much I try to deny this business, it is in my blood and the only thing that keeps my demons in check is lacing up a pair of boots and stepping into the ring. With the help of Dr Griffiths, I’m learning to accept that, but it’s a process, you know? Willy Carter: Well yes, I can’t imagine it’s easy. But you made it through and you’re the man around here again, with eight of the very best looking to be your next challenger. Any preferences? Anybody you don’t want to face? Warren Harper: Of course I have my preferences, they’re well known, but I also don’t want to be accused of ducking or dodging anybody in the tournament, so I’m going to give the cop out answer of being willing to take on any and all challenges. It’s what the very best Champions in our business should be willing to do after all… {Warren smirks and taps the central plate of the belt around his waist.}Warren Harper: And this World Championship right here says I’m the very best of the best Champions not only in this company, but also the whole fucking world… ------------------------------- HTTT MIXED TAG TEAM MATCHBlack Widow & Madjinn vs. Charlotte Shimizu & Pax Stormcrow ------------------------------- Alison Valance: The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall and has a twenty-minute time limit! Introducing first... {The tron fills with lightning as static comes over the speakers. Slowly each current of electricity on the tron fizzles out until the word 'Skoden' (And the logo for Prairie Fiber remains in the lower right corner) At the sight of the unofficial war cry of Pax appears on the tron the audience roars into chears as the opening rythmn of Stadium Pow wow thrums through the air.
As the singers kick into the song he pumps his fist in the air along with them before bounding down the ramp as the bass drops. He slaps hands with fans along the ramp as he makes his way down to the ring and slides under the bottom rope.
He makes a circle around the ring, arms pumping to work the crowd up before he jumps onto the second turnbuckle, lifting the hood of his coat back and looking up to the ceiling as he basks in the cheers from the crowd. He jumps down from the turnbuckle, shrugging out of his coat and handing it off to the staff before moving into his corner to crouch down in preparation for the match to begin}
Alison Valance: And his tag team partner... { 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 “Oh yeah”.
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. }
Iyo Kenshin: Pax Stormcrow and Charlotte Shimizu have been on an absolute roll as a team in this tournament, Rayne. They're sitting atop the B group, undefeated and with six points. We all know they have chemistry together outside of the ring, but it has really impressed me how well they have come together as a team in the ring. Rayne: Yeah, they're great. Everyone loves Pax and Charlotte, right? Everything is coming up roses for Pax and Charlotte. What happens when all of that comes crashing down, though? Savage Kingdom may decide it benefits them more to simply take Pax and Charlotte out. Then what? Iyo Kenshin: I would suggest that is a task much easier said than done, Rayne. {The camera cuts back to a shot of Alison momentarily.}Alison Valance: And their opponents...
{The lights are dimmed as the "Pumped Up Kicks" by 3Teeth begins to play. Shrouded in the darkness from the low-level lighting, Madjinn, Stephen Terrella and Portia slowly walk out from behind the curtain. The Black Widow crawls out from behind the curtain soon after, stopping on the cusp of the ramp. Stephen and Portia are to her right, making out with each other in a very over-the-top public display of affection. On the Widow's left, Madjinn is hitting a vape. Looking around the arena, Brandy stays on her knees, arms extended, and arches her back in a way that her upper body falls backwards. Forty seconds into the song, just before the lyrics start, Brandy thrusts her torso upward with a jolt. Stephen and Portia look towards the ring in unison with the Black Widow and Madjinn. The Mad Prince offers the Black Widow a hit off his vape, and then the foursome begins to make their way to the ring.}
Alison Valance: Approaching the ring, weighing in at a total combined weight of three hundred nineteen pounds... they are the reigning IWF World Tag Team Champions! They are the Savage Kingdom!
{The Savage Kingdom continues toward the ring, with Madjinn and the Black Widow in the front. Madjinn stops a few more times to blow his vape back into the faces of different fans. Terrella and Portia trail close behind, verbally arguing with some of the audience members in attendance. Cvetkova builds a little speed in her walk as she nears the bottom of the ramp and dives underneath the bottom rope. Madjinn slides beneath the bottom rope behind her. Pushing herself up onto her hands and knees, The Black Widow crawls across the ring, head tilted as she flashes a sinister smile at Charlotte and Pax. Portia and Stephen Terrella take up a position on the outside of the ring, in the Savage Kingdom corner. Madjinn stands in the middle of the ring as the Black Widow slinks backward, ending up between his legs. The Mad Prince puts a hand beneath her chin, bringing her to her feet, where they exchange saliva.}
Iyo Kenshin: I cannot help but wonder if some frustration could be starting to set in for the World Tag Team Champions, Rayne? They have yet to be beaten in this tournament, but they also haven't been able to put anyone away either. They have wrestled the most minutes of any team in the field, too, having gone the full twenty-minute time limit in matches twice now. Does the punishment and fatigue begin to add up?
Rayne: Madjinn and the Black Widow are both young, so I doubt fatigue would be as much of a factor as it might be for some. They may absolutely be frustrated, but that may only make them more dangerous. Again, going back to what I said earlier, punting on this match and injuring Pax or Charlotte -or both- is a viable strategy. I'd do it, if it were me.
Iyo Kenshin: Your honesty sometimes frightens me, Rayne.
Rayne: Grow a spine, Iyo.
{The Black Widow takes the ring for her team, and Charlotte is more than eager to start for her team. The referee for this contest, Tommy Knocker, calls for the opening bell!}
Ding!
{The Black Widow hangs back at the sound of the bell, allowing Charlotte to come to her. The Widow ducks into the ropes, and the official backs Charlotte off. Shimizu wants to wrestle, and she has a few words for the Black Widow. The Widow exits the ropes, appearing ready to compete. With an intense look of focus, Charlotte begins to close on her. The Black Widow drops down, rolling outside of the ring. She passes by Terrella and Portia on the outside, taking a seat on the floor, leaned against the guardrail. Charlotte stays up in the ring, not allowing herself to be drawn into a bad situation. The official reaches a count of seven before the Black Widow re-enters the ring, near Madjinn. She turns, tagging in the Mad Prince.}
Iyo Kenshin: The Black Widow is looking to throw Charlie off her game early, Rayne.
Rayne: She got Shimizu amped up to start, and now she's going to have to go cool herself off on the apron as Pax has to come in with Madjinn.
{Pax motions for the crowd to get loud. Stormcrow shoots in on Madjinn with a go-behind waist-lock. Madjiin pries at Pax's hands, reversing it into a go-behind of his own. Stormcrow reverses the reverse, lifting Madjinn off his feet and putting him down on the canvas. Stormcrow uses his amateur wrestling background to keep the Mad Prince tied up on the mat for two minutes, eventually working to get the Mad Prince into position for a Gator Roll. Stormcrow rolls Madjinn, bringing him up at the end and transitioning into a release German Suplex on the Mad Prince! Madjinn scoots back into the corner, clutching his neck. Pax lays some boots in on Madjinn in the corner. He brings Madjinn out, stinging him with a European Uppercut. Terrella starts to make his way around the outside, moving towards Charlotte. Pax turns an eye toward Terrella as Portia gets up on the apron, drawing the official. Amidst the chaos, Madjinn delivers a kick below the belt to Pax!}
{Stormcrow goes down as Terrella and Portia return to the Savage Kingdom corner. Charlotte is furious. The crowd boos as Madjinn takes control of the contest, using his technical prowess to work over the left arm of Pax. After softening it up, Madjinn pins Pax's left arm to the canvas and drops a series of knees into Stormcrow's elbow and bicep area. The Mad Prince chooses to dish out more punishment, keeping Pax close as he pulls him up off the canvas. Madjinn gives Pax's arm a twist, backs into the corner, scaling up the buckles backward, and walks across the top rope. Madjinn leaps off, coming down on Pax's arm with an elbow. Stormcrow grimaces in pain as he tries to create some separation. Stormcrow turns back around into a ‘Genocide Kick’ from Madjinn! The Mad Prince makes a cover but can only draw a two count!}
{Madjinn splays Pax's left arm out on the canvas once more, keeping it pinned with a boot. The Mad Prince leaps in the air, coming down on the arm with a jumping double foot stomp. Pax rolls toward a neutral corner. Madjinn grabs the official, seemingly explaining something to him. Terrella takes the opportunity to drag Pax under the ropes and wrap his left elbow around the steel ring post! The crowd boos. Charlotte makes her way over, irate at the interference. There is some verbal back and forth between Charlotte and the Savage Kingdom corner. Pax flexes his arm, holding it at the elbow. Madjinn dares Pax to hit him. Madjinn allows Pax to freely swing at him, bobbing and weaving to avoid any direct contact with him. Feeling really brash, Madjinn folds his hands behind his back. Stormcrow catches him by surprise by using his bad arm to throw a European uppercut under Madjinn's chin! Pax grimaces, and then takes Madjinn up and over with an Olympic Slam! Charlotte stretches as far as she can, and Pax dives to her for a tag!}
{Charlotte takes the Black Widow down with an arm drag! Charlie pops up, springboards off the ropes, and takes the Black Widow down with a springboard arm drag! A strong kick to the Widow's midsection slows her down even more, allowing Charlotte to shoot Cvetkova into the ropes! Shimizu ducks her head, elevating the Black Widow with a big back body drop! The crowd is going wild for Shimizu as she continues to unleash on the Black Widow with the "Genbu Shell"! Charlotte makes a cover. The official takes the long way around to get into position for the count, enabling the Widow to kick out just before his hand hits the mat for the count of two!}
{The Black Widow finds some pleasure from her own pain, flashing a twisted grin. Charlotte looks to go up top, but the Widow dives in at Charlie's legs, pushing her feet out from underneath her. The Widow goes up the buckles with Charlotte, biting down on Shimizu's forehead. She holds the bite for every allowable second of the official's count before breaking it. Cvetkova throws a few hard punches directly on the spot she was biting, trying to open Charlotte up. The Black Widow drops down off the middle turnbuckle, bringing Charlotte down off the buckles with her the hard way in the form of a draping DDT! Instead of going for a cover, however, the Black Widow rolls Shimizu over, then unloads on her with some mounted forearms to the back of the neck! The Black Widow pulls Charlotte up, whips her into the ropes, and both women collide mid-air as they go for simultaneous flying crossbody blocks. With both women down, the official starts a standing ten count... but at the count of five the time limit on the match expires. The official calls for the bell.}
Ding! Ding! Ding!
{The official calls Alison Valance over, giving her the official word.}
Alison Valance: The time limit on this match has expired. The referee has ruled this match a draw.
{Both women have used the ropes to pull themselves up, staring across at each other. Neither team seems especially happy with the outcome as they jaw back and forth.}
------------------------------- MAIN EVENT IWF INVICTUS CHAMPIONSHIP SINGLES MATCH Serenity Holmes (c) vs. Nancy Pailson-Carlson -------------------------------
{The atmosphere in the arena was electric as fans eagerly awaited the bout. The ring was illuminated by bright lights, with the championship belt prominently displayed at ringside. The crowd roared with excitement, waving signs and chanting the names of their favorite wrestlers.}
Alison Valance: The main event is for the IWF INVICTUS CHAMPIONSHIP!!!
Rayne: Love to see a title defense on free TV.
Iyo Kenshin: The crowd is certainly excited!
{As soon as the Poison Whiskey by Lynyrd Skynyrd starts Nancy Pailson-Carlson marches down the ramp and gets into the ring, marching back and forth like a wild woman until the bell rings.}
Alison Valance: First down to the ring, the challenger… Nancy Pailson-Carlson!
Rayne: Nancy is dreaming if she thinks she can win this match.
Iyo Kenshin: She has heart and you can’t discount that.
{"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! The current Invictus Champion… Hailing from Houston, Texas! At five feet, seven inches tall, weighing in at 127 pounds. She is "22nd Century Girl" Serenity Holmes!"
{Serenity slides under the bottom rope before unloading onto her feet, where she quickly hops onto the middle turnbuckle of an unoccupied corner to greet the fans at ringside. She flips her hair and throws up a peace sign with her tongue hanging out while winking at the camera. Serenity hops down and lands on her feet before running around the ring to show love to every possible fan in the atmosphere before staying in her designated corner, waiting for the next moment.}
Rayne: It’s insulting she has to defend her championship against someone like Nancy. A fluke win should not get you a title shot.
Iyo Kenshin: And what do you think gets people title shots?
{The bell rang, and the match began with both women circling each other, looking for an opening. Serenity used her speed and agility to keep Nancy on her toes, darting in and out with quick strikes. Nancy, on the other hand, relied on her strength and technical prowess, attempting to lock Serenity into various holds.
As the match progressed, Nancy gained the upper hand, using her power to wear down Serenity. She executed a series of suplexes and slams, each one shaking the ring. Serenity, however, demonstrated incredible resilience, kicking out of multiple pin attempts and countering with high-flying maneuvers. A particularly thrilling moment came when Serenity launched herself off the top rope with a moonsault, landing perfectly on Nancy for a near fall.
The tension in the arena was palpable as both competitors pulled out all the stops. Nancy, visibly frustrated by her inability to secure a pin, tried to finish Serenity with her signature move, the Rope-walk moonsault. Serenity, sensing the danger, reversed the move mid-air, flipping over Nancy and landing behind her. She quickly transitioned into a roll-up pin, but Nancy kicked out at the last possible second.
The climax of the match saw both women exhausted but determined. Serenity, digging deep into her reserves of energy, managed to stun Nancy with a series of rapid kicks and a perfectly executed spinning heel kick. With Nancy momentarily dazed, Serenity ascended the turnbuckle once more, signaling for her finishing move, the "Red Bottoms" – a breathtaking Diving Double Foot Stomp to the back of the opponent's head.
With the crowd on their feet, Serenity leaped off the top rope, executing the move flawlessly and crashing down onto Nancy. She hooked Nancy’s leg for the pin, and the referee counted: One, two, three!}
Alison Valance: Your winner and still Invictus Champion… SERENITY HOLMES!!!
Rayne: As if there was any doubt!
Iyo Kenshin: Nancy put in good effort though. |
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Well howdy there pardner.