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Post by Samira Conway on Nov 6, 2024 4:28:41 GMT
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SEGMENT
It's not me, It's you.
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{ The camera crew, lead by Cali Robbins, finds Charlotte Shimizu backstage as she seems to be walking with a purpose somewhere. }
Cali Robbins: Charlotte! A moment of your time?
{ Charlotte pauses in her long strides, waiting with her back turned until the crew catches up with her in the corridor. When she turns, any irritation the Womenās Champion mightāve felt is replaced by an expression of polite curiosity. }
Charlotte Shimizu: Ms Robbins, what can I do for you?
Cali Robbins: Just last week it looked like most of the Murder turned their backs on the Madroxes. Will you disband the Birds of Prey as well now that your nemesis is gone? Have we seen the last of your self-righteous vigilantism?
{ Charlotteās eyes flash angrily before she schools her expression into one of resigned irritation as she takes a half-step back from the interviewer crowding her and pushes the microphone in her face to a more acceptable distance. }
Charlotte Shimizu: Holā upā¦ Do people think that OāHara breakinā up the Murder and forminā her answer to Jem and the Holograms means the Birds of Prey got nothinā to do? No one to fight against?
Because thatās just straight bullshit. They all still here, aināt they? Sure, Brookyās been fixated on her failed revenge plot, and on paper, it looks like OāHaraās girl-band wonāt be the same, but leopards donāt change spots. Vivi Dee still gonna be the attack-bitch on someoneās leash, Ever-Clone gonna think she gotta do what sheās told to be accepted, and OāHara gonna keep chasinā the spotlight.
Thatās why OāHara ditched the Murder. Brooky wasnāt gonna give up leadership.
And thatās why Rome happened, isnāt it? It didnāt matter that I wound up the leader because I was the common factor, the one person that everyone else knew and trusted. It didnāt matter that the reason Nat and Rini were willing to accept OāHara running with us was because I vouched for her. It didnāt matter how much I deferred to her judgment. The only thing that mattered was that I was in front.
OāHara donāt actually care about anyone but herself. Sheās surrounded herself with the blandest and most malleable personalities she could find so sheās the only one that attracts attention.
You think OāHara gonna be all āfair playā and stayinā in her lane now she got the Pumpkin Spice Girls? If ya think that, yāaināt grounded in reality. OāHara only likes the rules when they fall in her favor, and if they donāt? They shouldnāt apply to her.
The Birds of Prey are here to keep the womensā division honest. The ones who donāt like that? Are the ones we formed up to fight.
Cali Robbins: So you arenāt worried that youāll have a well-earned handicap at Survival of the Fittest?
{ Charlotte laughs mirthlessly, seemingly ignoring the jibe. }
Charlotte Shimizu: Itād go worse than when Baby Madrox and Everstone teamed up during the Iron Maiden. OāHara would sooner beat a girlās head in with that beloved briefcase of hers than let someone outshine her.
Cali Robbins: Butā¦.
Charlotte Shimizu: Ms Robbins, try stirring shit with someone else. I have a meeting to get to.
{ Pointedly ignoring Caliās jabs to get further comment from her, Charlotte opens a door, enters the room beyond, and quickly and firmly closes the door behind her. As the feed fades to black, the sign on the door is clearly visible: Lucinda Nightingale - Costuming. }
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SINGLES MATCH
Sorcha Wynne vs. Hayleigh Blake
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Allison Valance: The following contest is scheduled for one fall!
{The Harpsicord of "Unlaced" starts to echo across the arena as Mist fills the entryway before Sorcha rises up from the floor as the dressed in a long cloak and stained glass hat, lit from behind to cast a stark silhouette}
Allison Valance: Introducing first, from Ayr, Scotland. Weighing in at 155 lbs, She is the Crimson Queen, Scorcha Ni Wynne!
Iyo Kenshin: One of the most enigmatic competitors that we have here. Scorcha is stepping out with purpose tonight.
Rayne: If she spent less time rhyming and more time focusing on her in ring work, sheād be sitting in a better position.
{The Lights Cut to black and when they come back on Sorcha is stood facing the hard camera stood on the middle rope arms spread almost angelically before she steps gracefully into the ring waltzing about it as the music plays before she finds a corner}
Allison Valance: Her opponent, accompanied by Shelly Diamond. From Bristol, CT and weighing in at 110 lbs. Hayleigh Blake!
{ Perfect Day by Hoku hits the arena sound system as the lights begin to flash. Hayleigh Blake comes out through the curtain with a hop in her step and waving to the crowd in attendance. As Hayleigh makes her way down to the ring she is followed by her legendary mother Shelly Diamond who watches her daughter with an approving eye. Hayleigh does a half lap around the ring, slapping fans hands as she goes before rolling in under the bottom rope. Hayleigh hits the camera side right corner of the ring with one foot on the top rope and her right fist in the air as the chorus kicks in. Hayleigh hops down and takes her corner as her music fades out. Shelly takes a seat near the commentary booth. }
Iyo Kenshin: Hayleigh has a better pedigree then most could ask for and is quickly winning the crowd over to her side.
Rayne: Sheās a person, not a horse Iyo. But she has had some of the best to ever do it train her in this business and thatās not nothing.
{ The two women lock up as soon as the bell rings, both of them eager for the collar and elbow tie up. The two technical athletes exchange holds on each other, reversing out of them and into a new one to the cheers of the crowd. Scorchaās superior size and strength mean that she is on the controlling end for most of them, but Hayleighs extensive training regimen has given her plenty of techniques for escaping her way out of anything that Scorcha has dished out thus far. But Scorcha, using her wider experience baits Hayleigh into going for a hip toss that she quickly reverses into a Manhattan Drop that creates some space. }
Rayne: But as we can see, training only goes so far. Nothing is a replacement for experience.
Iyo Kenshin: But still a truly impressive display of technical prowess to start off this match.
{ Scorcha is quick to follow up, relying on her power to punish the younger competitor. She scoops Hayleigh off the mat, planting her back down with a series of suplexes with clear intent to wear out her opponent with her superior strength. Hayleigh jumps back to her feet after the third suplex and tries to rally until Scorcha plants her down with a spinebuster. The Banshee goes for a cover but Hayleigh kicks out at 2. Scorcha releases the hold, only to shift her weight so that she can lock in a sleeper hold on her young opponent. Hayleigh struggles in the hold, fighting to keep Scorcha from locking it in, eventually rolling through into a pinning predicament that forces Scorcha to release at 1. }
Iyo Kenshin: Quick thinking from Hayleigh to break out of that hold! That would have been bad news for sure.
Rayne: She had better follow up on it if she wants to have any chance of winning this match.
{ Hayleigh is first to her feet via kip up and starts launching stiff kicks at Scorchaās arms as she tries to rise. Scorcha rises and looks ready to intercept but with a crescent kick Hayleigh changes direction to strike Scorcha with a stiff kick in the thigh. She follows up with a flurry of strikes, driving Scorcha back into the ropes. Hayleigh grabs hold of her opponent, whipping her across the ring and when she bounces back Hayleigh hits her with a spinning backfist that drops Scorcha to her knees. The crowd is fully behind the young rookie, cheering her on as she backs up. Hayleigh lunges forward going for a Genocide Kick but Scorcha had drawn her in, ducking under the kick. She springs to her feet, scooping Hayleight up onto her shoulders and into a back breaker before planting her down to the mat with a CrĆ¹n Dearg. She rolls Hayleigh over, going for the pin and the ref counts the three. }
Allison Valance: Your winner by pinfall, The Crimson Queen Scorcha Ni Wynne!
Iyo Kenshin: A hard fought effort by Hayleigh Blake, but Scorcha was one step ahead of her.
Rayne: A rookie mistake. Sheāll get over it soon enough but youād think sheād have more of a killer instinct considering who her parents are.
{ Scorcha celebrates in the ring as āHey Listenā drums from the speakers as the screen fades. }
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SEGMENT
Participants: Shea OāHara, Vivienne Daniels & Mai Everstone
Word Limit: 2000
Solving The Murder Mystery: Shea, Mai & Vivienne explain their recent abandonment of The Murder & more specifically why they choose to no longer follow Brooklyn Madrox as she continues to wage her personal war against Dean Harper. They declare the Madrox sisters are on their own from here on out, as the three friends look to forge a new path forward together.
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{An exterior shot of Shea OāHaraās locker-room backstage at the arena. This elicits a mixed reaction from the crowd. Inside, the current Queenās Gambit 2024 contract holder, Shea OāHara sat on a three seater red leather with Vivienne Daniels on her left and Mai Everstone on her left. Mai Everstone had a hardback copy of Sandman: Preludes & Nocturnes in her lap. She wore a black mini dress and fishnets and ankle boots. Vivienne Daniels was in a simple white dress, texting on her phone. The atmosphere seemed to be much more casual and relaxed than might be expected for three friends who had just turned their backs on The Madrox Sisters.
Shea wore sunglasses. Her red and black āIcon For Hireā t-shirt was matched with her black leather jacket and matching silver chained short skirt, fishnets and boots. She also wore a single ear-loop headset microphone. A smile spread across her ruby glossed lips as she was the first to address the camera directly.}
Shea OāHara: Brooklyn, April. Ever since October Revolution, Iām sure youāve had questions about why my girls and I walked out on you right when you needed us most, like. And for me, thatās the point, right there. You needed us more than weāve ever needed you. We spent months carrying your banner, flying your flag and keeping your name relevant just enough that it still made sense as to why the two of you deserved to face Dean Harper last. The two of you vanished to plot your ultimate revenge and told us nothing about what you were plotting, and now we know why. Tonight proves just how utterly unimaginative and ill equipped you are to deal with threats on your own, Brooklyn.
{A small smile, understated.}
Shea OāHara: Frankly, if a Singles Match where you expected us to carry your sister to victory and a Last Wrestler Standing Match is the best āultimate revengeā plan you could come up with after all this time, you should not only be ashamed but you should be fucking embarrassed. If I was feeling particularly charitable, Iād at least give you some credit for the poetic intention of trying to render Dean Harper as helpless as he left your beloved Ro-Ro, but given that what Dean did to the supposed love of your damned life has been such a secondary and minimal motive for you throughout this whole ordeal - a cheap card played to tug at the heart stings to make the narcissist you are seem like an even bigger victim - Iām not about to give you even that much credit.
{Sheaās smile notably became brighter, as she flips her hair to one side.}
Shea OāHara: In fact if Rowan ever returns, I hope her first order of business is to dump your sorry ass even quicker than we did. I know Hell is supposed to have no fury like a woman scorned, and whilst itās true that Iāve never been her biggest fan, even I recognise how your apathy has done you no favours as a partner she can count on to have her back when she needed you most. If Dean had attacked the love of my life, Iād be first in line to kick his fucking head in, not waiting to go last, hoping to capitalise on the collective damage the rest of us have done since this little Revenge Tour of ours started.
{Shea OāHara quite deliberately holds her head up high.}
Shea OāHara: I remember how fiercely I threw myself into a war with Eternity when she kidnapped Warren. I demanded her head, and I ended up with a broken arm and a wounded ego for my trouble - and Warren is just my best fucking friend. I didnāt sit around waiting or try to drag my entire friend circle into a thankless war where I had no intention of paying back the loyalty they showed to me throughout. You expected us to have your back, but werenāt prepared to have ours in turn. Where the hell were you when everyone was showing up in Vivienneās cage match? Where the hell were you when Mai Everstone was being busted open? Where the hell were you when Dean was literally beating me into submission? Oh thatās right, nowhere to be seen, because you werenāt ready to play your hand. Well, fuck you.
{Shea pauses.}
Shea OāHara: Warren Kidd had absolutely nothing to do with The Murder and he still proved himself to give more of a shit about me than you ever have or ever will, Brooklyn. Warren believes in me and supports me, just like I support my girls, Mai and V. All three of us have earned title opportunities at Survival of the Fittest and thereās absolutely no jealousy on my part. Iām happy Mai has cracked through and earned her spot alongside me. Iām not looking for an unfair advantage in the Championship Scramble just because my friend has earned her spot at the same time as me. Mai is not somebody I expect to carry me through the match, no. Sheās a fellow competitor and Iām very much looking forward to the friendly competition that Iām sure it will come down to at some point during all that chaos. All I really have to say to my friends is good luck and may the best of us get exactly what we deserve at Survival of the Fittest.
{Shea turns and motions to Mai that the floor was hers to speak her mind. Mai nods.}
Mai Everstone: Oh, thanks Shea. Good luck to you and Vivienne too. I didnāt have much of a dog in the fight against Dean, but I still stepped up when my friends needed me. I tried to be on the same page with the Madroxes, but they never seemed interested, and I know why. Itās because I wasnāt family, and thatās fine. Iāve survived on my own, Iām used to it. I know Iām a weird girl. I know Iām an acquired taste, but both Viv and Shea have been supporting me and helping me understand that thatās okay, and for that Iām grateful. Especially as I worried that Iād lost the only friendship circle Iāve ever truly felt a part of, just because I couldn't bring myself to attack Dean Harper. Heās an inspiration, a hero and someone Iāve personally looked up to for years. An opinion I knew wouldnāt make me popular with you Brooklyn so I never felt safe to admit that around you, but now I can, and honestly it feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
{Shea smiles genuinely at Mai and whispers an encouraging āWell doneā knowing how hard it was for Mai to speak directly to a camera like this. Vivienne looked up from her phone and smiled at the camera.}
Vivienne Daniels: Let me set one thing straight. I never wanted any of this. I wanted The Murder not only to survive but thrive because I believed in what Rowan was trying to do. She was trying to help the womenās division reach its true potential, she was trying to shake it out of its stagnation and apathy. I know a lot of people donāt agree with Rowanās methods, but I do. They work. Iām proof of that fact. She gave me the courage to stop living half a life and to go after the happiness I truly deserved, and now Iām happily married and have a family I know loves me mutually and unconditionally. Thatās why I want to be clear, I havenāt turned my back on the vision, merely on the person leading it. I still believe we can elevate this division further, and we will. On our own, without the deadweight of bloated and selfish egos weighing us down.
{Satisfied with her piece,Vivienne leaves Shea to wrap up.}
Shea OāHara: What else is there left to say except we arenāt The Murder, weāre so much more. We are the next evolution of the womenās division. We are survivors. We are more than friends, we are family. We are equals. We are The Rockinā Rebels and believe us when we say you havenāt seen anything yet. Weāre just tuning up, and sooner than you think, weāll be rocking this joint and playing to sold out crowds across the world.
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āEVOLUTIONARY ADVANTAGEā QUALIFIER
TORNADO TAG TEAM MATCH
Whoever scores the decision earns exclusive entry into the Invictus Championship Match at Survival of the Fittest. Their partner gains entry into the Gladiator Championship Match.
w/ Special Guest Commentators Serenity Holmes (w/ Members of Legion) and Tytus Rost
TJ Alexander & Nick Danger vs Thunder Sid & Solomon Khan
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{ As "The Touch" By Stan Bush blares out of the PA speakers, TJ Alexander walks onto stages and raises his hands out to the side, he walks down the ramp with a cocky arrogance and chip on his shoulder, and TJ runs into the ring and climbs the nearest turnbuckle and looks into the crowd with a smile on his face. }
Alison Valance: Ladies and gentlemen, this is an Evolutionary Advantage qualifier match scheduled for one fall! This match will be contested under tornado tag team rules! Introducing first, from London, England, weighing in at 188 poundsā¦ TJ ALEXANDER!
Iyo Kenshin: This team of Nick Danger and TJ Alexander has the makings of a force to be reckoned with!
Rayne: But youāre forgetting, Iyo, this match isnāt just about picking up the win for the team, itās about getting that deciding fall and punching in the ticket to the Invictus Championship match at Survival of the Fittest!
Iyo Kenshin: Speaking of that, weāve got the Invictus Champion right here with us tonight! And weāve also got one of her challengers at Survival of the Fittest, Tytus Rost!
Rayne: So glad that our top champion could join us for commentary! Serenity, what do you think about this lackluster team of TJ Alexander and Nick Danger?
Serenity Holmes: I donāt care who is in the match. As long as I am Invictus Champion, thatās what matters.
Iyo Kenshin: And what about you, Tytus?
{ Tytus watches the ring with a raised eyebrow. }
Tytus Rost: TJ and Nicholas like to think that they are all heart and gritāreal fightersā fighters. But, tovarich, there is a difference between showing up to the battle and having what it takes to win it. Tonight, they are going to learn just how heavy that burden really is.
Serenity Holmes: If Tytus comes near me, Iām leaving.
{ The lights turn red and red smoke follows on the entrance ramp. "Bulls Of Parade" by Rage Against The Machines start to play and the crowd start chanting "Rising Ace" and "Danger Zone". Nick Danger walks out onto the entrance ramp and red fireworks light up the entrance ramp. He starts to walk down the ramp giving fans high fives and hugging some of the younger fans. Nick walks up the steel steps and enters through the middle rope and stands in the center of the ring. Nick points an index finger at himself and the fans chant "NICK RULES!!!" and take off his jacket and toss it to the fans and wait for the match to start fixing his arm sleeve. }
Alison Valance: And his tag team partner, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, weighing in at 198 poundsā¦ NICK DANGER!
Iyo Kenshin: Nick Danger has always been someone who verges on greatness! Tonight, if heās able to pull it off, he could be right in the mix for the Invictus Championship!
Rayne: That will happen the same day you start doing good commentary!
Alison Valance: And their opponents, already in the ring, the team of Thunder Sid and Solomon Khan!
{ The mismatched team of a superhero and a giant are shown in the opposing corner. Thunder Sid strikes a heroic pose while Khan sternly looks over at the competition. The bell rings as the match gets underway, with Danger and Alexander immediately rushing Sid and Solomon down. They manage to hit stereo dropkicks, though Khan is still standing after the fact. Nick and TJ give a quick glance to each other before running to the ropes, rebounding to try and double team the giant. However, Khan simply sticks his large arms out to his sides and clotheslines both men! Solomon raises his arms up in triumph, while Sid comes in to hit another superhero pose. Thunder Sid directs traffic, telling Solomon to lift up Danger. Khan drags the prone Nick back to his feet and pins his arms behind his back. Sid parades around the ring, hyping himself up for a super move! As he rushes towards Danger, Alexander comes in and lays out Sid with a knee strike! Khan throws Nick to the side and lumbers over to TJ, who quickly starts chopping away at Solomonās legs with hard kicks. }
Rayne: Does this idiot think he can actually take down this behemoth?
Iyo Kenshin: Alexander and Danger have to have a game plan, or they wonāt be making it to Survival of the Fittest!
Rayne: But only one of these two could have the privilege of facing our Invictus Champion at-
{ Tytus turns his gaze to Serenity. }
Tytus Rost: Survival of the Fittest. The only place where champions are not just crownedāthey are tested. Little one, you have more to prove than anyone else. Step up, show them why that title is yours, or they will be lining up to face me once I have taken it off your shoulders.
Serenity Holmes: My championship is all that matters. No one in this company is as dominant as I am and I will prove it.
{ Khan wraps his hands around Alexanderās throat, looking to lift him up. Danger flies in with a big dropkick, making Khan stumble back! Thunder Sid gets on the offensive again and tries to beat down Nick, though he receives some elbows for his efforts. Solomon swings wildly at his two adversaries, trying to basically hit anything that moves. While Danger and Alexander are able to slip and weave through the imposing shots, Khan accidentally hits Sid! Nick and TJ rear back and hit a double superkick onto the giant! He wobbles back, using the ropes to catch himself. With another set of synchronized superkicks, Khan is leaning back over the top rope! TJ gets down on all fours in front of Solomon, while Danger runs the ropes and leaps off of Khan, delivering a crossbody and sending them both over the top rope! Back in the ring, Thunder Sid has donned his cape and scaled to the top turnbuckle. As Alexander turns around, Sid makes a magnificent dive off the topā¦ only to find himself crashing against the canvas! TJ wastes no time in hoisting up Sid and hitting the Game Over! He covers the superheroā¦
ONEā¦
TWOā¦
THREE! }
Alison Valance: Here are your winners, Nick Danger and TJ Alexander!
Iyo Kenshin: TJ Alexander will be challenging for the Invictus Championship at Survival of the Fittest!
Serenity Holmes: TJ? Oh, you got to be kidding me!!! GREAT ADD EVERYONE WHO MIGHT AS WELL-
{ Tytus smirks slightly as he watches Nick and TJ celebrating their victory. }
Tytus Rost: Well, it would appear as though all of the pieces of the puzzle are now in place. Tonight it was TJ's night - but rememberā¦ this victory is a double-edged sword. If you are aiming to walk out of Survival of the Fittest as successfully as you did tonight, you had better be ready for a war. Winning here is just the beginning.
{ Serenity casts a bombacious side-eye at Tytus as he speaks. }
Tytus Rost: Little one, you know what you have got to do. You must go out there and show them that you are truly worthy of wearing that title, of calling yourself 'champion'. But, you must do it all the while being hunted. I do not believe you to be much more than prey, little one, and I plan to prove it.
Serenity Holmes: Tytus, let me be clear, Iām not scared of you and youāre lucky the Legion is here or else I would be beating your head in!
Iyo Kenshin: Either way, congratulations to both TJ Alexander and Nick Danger as they punch their ticket to Survival of the Fittest!
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EIGHT COMPETITOR INTERGENDER TAG TEAM MATCH
Maximum Word Limit: 6000 (1500 Individual, 3000 or 6000 Combined)
Partners In Crime & Nick Knight & RAM vs Savage By Nature & Bella Morte
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Alison Valance: The following eight-person tag team contest is scheduled for one fall with a thirty-minute time limit! Introducing first...
{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 doctorās mask of āThe Savior of Professional Wrestlingā have been stripped away leaving only the plain black leather pants and snakeskin boots of āThe Slayer of Gods.ā}
Alison Valance: Now making his way to the ring from Hollywood, California... Nick Knight!!!
{Knight slowly makes his way towards the ring. He takes a corner, looking as determined as ever, awaiting the arrival of his partners.}
Alison Valance: And his tag team partner...
{The opening bars to a metal cover of "Necron" -- the final battle theme from Final Fantasy IX -- begin to play as we hear distorted audio recordings of screams and laughter filter in. The visual of blood red-hued programming language being typed on a screen is seen with a hint of flame dancing in the background. The flames grow bigger and bigger before the pictures cut to black, and the following message appears.}
"c000021a [FATAL SYSTEM ERROR]"
{As "Necron" kicks into gear, Ram hops into the picture, and as pyro goes off around him, he pretends to do the famous Buster Sword "victory" pose before heading down to ringside. While he gets a mixed reaction from the crowd, he takes a moment or two to look around and admire the gathering around him before stepping inside the ring, joining Nick Knight in their corner.}
Iyo Kenshin: Rayne, on paper, some might look at Nick Knight and RAM as massive underdogs at Survival of the Fittest in a match against two couples and a pair of former World Tag Team Champions. That might be fair. When this began, Knight made it abundantly clear that his sole purpose was to prevent Savage By Nature from regaining those World Tag Team Championships from Bella Morte. RAM has had his personal issues outside the ring. We saw a bit of a shift in focus from Nick though this week, and I wonder how much of that is brought on by having a young man standing beside him that he trusts and respects.
Rayne: If you want my opinion, Knight was kinda disrespectful of the current champions. The last time Bella Morte and Savage By Nature were in the ring together, it was a war. Bella Morte came out on top in that. So, do they don't need Nick Knight and RAM as some type of insurance policy. And if I'm being completely honest, I don't think Knight and RAM can beat Bella Morte or Savage By Nature. We'll see though. If they can work together with the Partners In Crime, they have their chance to prove me wrong tonight.
Iyo Kenshin: I believe you are selling both Nick and RAM far too short as a team, Rayne. First, they do need to make it past tonight, though. That is a fact RAM alluded to this week, stressing the importance of teamwork, while Knight's goal largely seems to be to simply walk out of this match without any type of injuries to himself or his partner.
{Alison prepares herself to make another introduction.}
Alison Valance: And their tag team partners...
{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 wifeās 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.}
Alison Valance: Making their way to the ring at a total combined weight of four hundred fifty-nine pounds... Cyrus and Vivienne Daniels... The Partners In Crime!
{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 Vivienneās complete surrender to him and the lights snap back on, illuminating the ring in full. Under her husbandās 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.}
Iyo Kenshin: As the Partners In Crime reminded us this week, they were the only team to earn their way into the upcoming tag team match at Survival of the Fittest. However, like every other team in this match, they will first be tasked with working together with unlikely partners as they look to earn a victory tonight while walking out as unscathed as possible.
Rayne: It's not hard to tell there are already issues on this side. There is no discussion of strategy going on. Cyrus and Vivienne aren't even standing near RAM and Knight as they wait for the arrival of their opponents. Iyo, Cyrus looks as if he wants to kill them both right now.
Iyo Kenshin: Cyrus Daniels has few friends in this company, by his own doing. They were not shy about their unhappiness with being placed into this match by our General Manager, or his choice of the pairings. They are going to have to make the best of the situation, though.
{Alison moves a step away from Cyrus and Vivienne before preparing to make the next introductions.}
Alison Valance: And their opponents, first...
{The lights are dimmed as the opening to "Angry Again" by The Volatile begins to play. Shrouded in near darkness, the Black Widow crawls out from behind the curtain, stopping on the cusp of the ramp. Stephen Terrella and Portia slowly walk out behind her, holding hands as they take a place a few feet behind her, making out with each other in a very over-the-top public display of affection. Looking around the arena, Brandy stays on her knees, arms extended and arches her back in a way that her upper body falls backwards. Thirty-seven 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. Savage By Nature begins a slow, purposeful walk toward the ring, catching an earful from the crowd as they proceed.}
The more of you that I inspect
The more of me I see reflect
The more I try to read your lips
The more the mask you're wearing rips
But when I seek out your voice
My ears are overcome with noise
You show and tell with greatest ease
Raving impossibilities
Engaged in crime I grasp my throat
Enraged my mind starts to smoke
Enforce a mental overload
Angry again, angry again, angry owe!
{Both Stephen and the Black Widow time it out so that when the song begins another instrumental at the two minute and sixteen seconds mark, Brandy is sliding underneath the ropes, and Stephen Terrella is pacing across the apron.}
Alison Valance: Entering the ring, accompanied by Portia, weighing in at a total combined weight of 418 poundsā¦ Stephen Terrellaā¦ and his partner, the Black Widowā¦ Savage By Nature!!
{Stephen enters the squared circle, a menacing scowl on his face. He turns, arms open, to taunt the crowd, before spitting in their general direction. Terrella removes his beanie and tosses it at Knight, with Nick swatting it away. The jawing begins between Savage By Nature and the other two teams already.}
Iyo Kenshin: Many people do not like their tactics -me among them- but it is hard to argue the success Savage By Nature has had employing them. They have always thrived in manufactured chaos. If -and this is a very BIG if- they can find a way to function as a unit with the team that defeated them for the World Tag Team Championships, it may give them a leg up in this match tonight.
Rayne: I just hope they can stay focused, Iyo. Terrella has had his issues with Knight. Portia, rightfully, has a problem with Vivienne; and if Portia wants her head, Terrella will make every effort to take it. Then of course you have the Black Widow, who is always a complete wildcard.
Iyo Kenshin: Indeed, the sword they live by has proven to cut both ways, Rayne. If the gap between Bella Morte is to be bridged, even for just one night, I believe it will fall on Bella Morte's shoulders to attempt to bridge it. I am not convinced they can.
{Alison readies herself for the final introduction.}
Alison Valance: And Savage By Nature's tag team partners...
{A high-pitched female scream causes the lights to flicker in the arena. As the rebellious yell seamlessly transitions to a soft chilling female laughter, the lights die completely. In the darkness a lone voice questions.}
āNow I lay me down to sleep
Six feet down beneath concrete
If I should die before I wake
Did I make peace or a mistake?ā
{During this question, the entranceway fills with purple smoke. After the question, Abigail emerges from the coloured smoke alone, under a soft blue hue and to a mixed reaction. She has Eternityās half of the World Tag Team Championships secured around her waist. The lyrics of āAfterlifeā by Citizen Soldier accompany her walk down the ramp. She clenches her jaw before pausing in the middle of the ramp, dropping to her knees and looking heavenward. She flings her arms out either side of her, causing more purple smoke to fill the ramp before the lights go out again briefly.
When they return a few moments later, just after the chorus, Eternity is stood behind Abigail in her hat, veil and sleeveless black leather trench coat. Eternity has Abigailās half of World Tag Team Championships draped around her neck, upside down. Abigail rises slowly, cracks her neck slightly and continues her journey down the ramp in the comforting shadow of death, alone no longer. Abigail walks up the steps, not to heaven, but into the ring, Eternity close behind. They move together, Eternity separates herself only to place her hat on a ring post, before reuniting in the middle of the ring.
Once reunited, with Eternity stood firm behind her still, Abigail drops to her knees and lets out a rebellious yell heavenward as she throws her head back, looking up at Eternity, who has her head bowed down towards Abigail, eyes closed. Eternity places a hand on each of Abigailās shoulders before she opens her eyes again. The two women now share a quiet moment gazing into each otherās soul. Abigail breathes heavily, whilst Eternity doesnāt seem to breathe at all. The music slowly fades and the lights return to normal as each woman slips off her entrance attire, and each otherās respective titles, standing side by side now, ready to compete.}
Iyo Kenshin: Then there were eight, Rayne. Mere seconds away from the opening bell, this match is a callback to Survival of the Fittest's history, in a way. A fact that wasn't lost on our World Tag Team Champions this week, who have always had a keen eye for remembrance.
Rayne: This is a really tough spot to walk into if you're the champions though, Iyo. The champs didn't mince any words when it came to making their feelings known on the Partners In Crime and Knight and RAM. All of these teams will be gunning for those straps Eternity and Abigail hold in just a few short weeks, too. As much as everyone wants to win a match, sometimes you have to be willing to lose a battle to win a war. Any of these teams, their own partners included, could see this as the perfect opportunity to somehow weaken the champions ahead of that championship match.
Iyo Kenshin: Bella Morte are aware of that fact, I am sure. Still, you don't see any trepidation from them as it relates to competing in this match tonight.
{The referee for this match, Tommy Knocker, is having a great deal of difficulty getting the match underway. RAM and Knight are arguing with Vivienne and Cyrus over who should start. On the other side of the ring, the communication is non-existent. Terrella and the Black Widow step out, with Terrella motioning for Abigail and Eternity to have at it. Abigail and Eternity share a brief embrace with a few words of strategy before Abigail takes the ring to start.}
Iyo Kenshin: We'll have Abigail on one side to start, it appears. On the other side, they are still arguing with each other over who should start.
Rayne: Cyrus just shoved RAM! This is breaking down already!
Iyo Kenshin: RAM going right back at Cyrus, but Knight is holding his partner back! It looks like the veteran is trying to steer the ship here as he whispers something to RAM.
{RAM keeps his eyes on Cyrus, still fuming. However, both he and Knight take the apron after Knight's words to RAM. Vivienne wants to take the ring to start, with Cyrus offering positively no objections to his beloved's wishes. Tommy Knocker calls for the opening bell as Cyrus steps out, standing as far from Knight and RAM as the tag rope will stretch.}
Ding!
{As one might expect with Vivienne and Abigail in the ring, there is no handshake to start. The two women meet in the middle of the squared circle, nose-to-nose and toe-to-toe. Vivienne gives Abigail a shove, leading to Abigail retaliating with a closed fist. Vivienne holds her ground as the two brawlers slug it out, trading punches with each other until each one starts to buckle at the knees when the other lands a shot. Vivienne stomps down on top of Abby's foot to gain an advantage, then takes hold of her to throw some repeated Muay Thai knees to the head to disorient Abigail. Sticking with the knees, Vivienne delivers a Knee lift to the stomach followed by a running knee lift to the head of Abigail to take her off her feet! Abigail tries to shake out the cobwebs as Vivienne drags her up the hair and rams her face-first into a turnbuckle. Pouring on the aggression, Vivienne wraps a hand around Abigail's throat and chokes her in the corner. Eternity starts down the apron, chasing Vivienne back. As Eternity moves back to her corner, Vivienne takes a swipe at her. Viv taunts Eternity as the official gets in between them, allowing Cyrus to choke Abigail in the corner from the apron. Eternity puts her arms up, knowing the best way to help Abigail at the moment is to back down. The official turns to find Cyrus walking away from the scene of the crime.}
{Vivienne starts back in on Abigail with kicks and punches in the corner, pinning her there. Savage By Nature doesn't show much concern for their partner, but Eternity has her arm stretched as far as she can, hoping Abigail can somehow reach her for a tag. Vivienne lifts Abigail up for a Neck snap across the top rope. Vivienne attempts a cover; but she is only able to hold Abigails shoulders to the canvas for a count of one.}
Iyo Kenshin: Abigail still with plenty of fight left, Rayne. You can tell she's struggling to get her breath, though.
Rayne: Vivienne would have loved to score a fall off that, but what she's really doing there was taking Abigail's breath. When you can't breathe, you can't fight back.
Iyo Kenshin: Vivienne leading Abigail to the corner... making a tag to Cyrus. Interesting to note she didn't even look Knight or RAM's way there, Rayne.
Rayne: She's got a nearly seven-foot wrecking machine for a husband standing on the apron, so why would she.
{Cyrus enters the ring as Vivienne holds one of Abigail's arms up, allowing Cyrus to land a free shot on Abby's exposed ribcage. Vivienne steps out as Cyrus goes to work on Abigail with some boxing style body blows. He continues to pour on the assault as Eternity steps up onto the bottom rope, stretching just as far as she can over the top to try to shorten the distance if Abigail can somehow make a tag. Clutching her ribs, Abigail fights back with a headbutt to Cyrus' jaw that temporarily shakes the big man. Cyrus comes right back with a punishing knee to Abigail's gut though, followed up by a Chokeslam Backbreaker! He puts one hand on Abby's chest for a cover, looking right at Eternity as the official slides into position for a count. Abigail manages to kick out after the count of one, however, thanks to the nonchalant cover. Cyrus almost seems to relish in the idea that he can dish out more punishment after the kick out, however.}
{The big man to his feet. RAM wants a tag, but Cyrus brushes him off. Cyrus hauls Abigail up off the canvas, delivering another knee to her battered midsection. Cyrus hoists Abigail up onto his shoulders, setting up Snake Eyes in the corner! Abby's face bounces off the top turnbuckle! Cyrus charges the ropes, looking for a big boot to follow... but the Black Widow pulls the tope rope down, sending Cyrus toppling over the top! From the apron, the Black Widow hurls herself through the air with a cannonball onto Cyrus as he gets up, wiping them both out!}
Iyo Kenshin: The Black Widow bought her partner a breather! If you had that on your bingo card, congratulations! I did not expect to see that!
Rayne: Only the Black Widow knows what she is thinking, but she may just want to fight Cyrus for all anyone else knows!
Iyo Kenshin: Here comes Vivienne around the ring...
{Portia points to Vivienne, wanting Terrella to take her head. Terrella drops down off the apron as Vivienne starts to put the boots to the Black Widow. By the time Vivienne catches a glimpse of Terrella coming, it's far too late for her to avoid taking a huge clothesline! Terrella lifts Vivienne up and drops her throat-first over the steel security railing around the ringside area. Abigail continues to crawl her way across the ring to the apron where Eternity is standing. Terrella places his tactical style boot into Vivienne's throat, choking the air out of her. Cyrus gets up to save his beloved by delivering a big shot to the back of Terrella's head. Stephen staggers but keeps his feet. He fires right back on Cyrus with a left hand to the taller man's body before driving the small of the giant's back into the edge of the ring apron.}
{Up in the ring, as Abigail inches closer to Eternity, Knight comes in to drag her back by the leg. Abigail rolls over onto her back and slams her boot into Knight's bad knee. Knight grimaces and Abigail crawls faster this time before diving to make a tag to Eternity! After slipping between the ropes, Eternity connects with a Decapitation (Discus Clothesline) on Knight! Knight rolls out as Terrella jams two thumbs deep into Cyrus' eye sockets before lifting the big man onto the apron and rolling him into the ring to Eternity. Eternity puts some boots to Cyrus but the giant will not stay down for long. He fights up from underneath, shoving Eternity back. Undeterred, Eternity goes right back at Cyrus. Cyrus delivers a Lights Out! (Brogue Kick) as Eternity rushes him! Still trying to clear his eyes, he catches a blurry glimpse of both the Black Widow and Terrella working over Vivienne on the outside. RAM comes over for the save, grabbing hold of the Black Widow and throwing her into the steel railing. Knight gets back up on the apron. Wanting to get outside to Vivienne, Cyrus begrudgingly tags in Knight.}
Iyo Kenshin: Knight's in, and Cyrus is going out after Terrella!
Rayne: I hope everything at ringside is reenforced!
{Knight enters the ring. Cyrus blows past RAM and the Black Widow fighting and drives a big boot into Terrella's jaw to take the three-hundred-pound behemoth off his feet. Cyrus immediately checks on Vivienne, helping her up as Knight hits Eternity with a German Suplex! Abigail is back to her feet on the apron, clutching her ribs, having to watch as Knight drags Eternity up, looking for another German Suplex. Eternity throws an elbow back though, catching Knight in his temple to loosen his grip. Cyrus escorts Vivienne back to their corner as Eternity performs the The Quick & The Dead (Snap Scoop Powerslam) on Knight. Eternity follows up with the Ligature Mark (Legdrop Across Throat) on Knight, covering him after. Knight powers out at the count of two, though!}
{Having separated himself from the Black Widow, RAM joins Cyrus and Vivienne back on the apron as a tag option for their partner. Eternity brings Nick the rest of the way up off the canvas from his position on all fours, looking for a Spiral-Plex (Sidewinder Suplex). The Hollywood Butcher fires off a few punches to Eternity's head on his way halfway up though to counter. Knight rakes the eyes of Eternity, allowing him to land a big lariat on her as The Black Widow and Terrella rejoin Abigail in their corner. Knight aggressively attacks, bringing Eternity up off the canvas and delivering "Welcome to Hollywood" (Rainmaker) for another huge shot to Eternity's head. Eternity is laying on the canvas, motionless. Knight stares down at her. Now it's Abigail reaching out as far as she can, trying to shorten the distance if Eternity is able to somehow find a way to make a tag. Then lights in the arena flicker briefly as a prone Eternityās entire body convulses, before she is jolted back to life and sits bolt upright on the canvas, eyes wide and eyes vacant for a few moments.}
Rayne: That's creepy, it's weird... and I'm a little freaked out right now, Iyo! If you're Knight, you have to be asking yourself what I do next here!
Iyo Kenshin: Nick Knight has a deep bag of tricks, Rayne.
{Knight comes in with a big kick on Eternity before making the tag to RAM. Marshall starts climbing the turnbuckles as Knight goes back for Eternity. Nick cinches Eternity up, delivering a lightning quick snap suplex. RAM soars off the top, crashing down on Eternity with "Braver" (shooting star press)! RAM with a cover off the move! The referee slides into position for a count but Eternity kicks out at the count of two! RAM keeps his focus, quickly bringing Eternity up with him. RAM unleashes a series of hard knees to Eternity's head, best described as ugly but effective. RAM whips Eternity into a neutral corner and charges in after her; but Eternity brings both of her boots up to catch him in the face! Eternity follows up with a Deathās Cradle (Straitjacket Double Knee Backbreaker) on RAM. Knowing her twin flame had taken some damage earlier; Eternity makes a tag to the Black Widow when Cvetkova offers a hand.}
{The Black Widow comes in and immediately rakes RAM's back. His body recoils as she grabs his head and attempts to slam him face-first into the buckles. RAM puts out a boot to help block. He catches the Black Widow in the mouth with an elbow, bringing a grin to her face. The right hand from RAM that follows quickly erases that. Capitalizing, RAM lifts his smaller adversary with ease and plants her with a scoop slam. RAM goes to the apron, casting a glance at Portia as she approaches. He leaps up for a springboard, but the three seconds he spent focused on Portia costs him as the Black Widow dives into the ropes, knocking him forward on his face. Cvetkova whips RAM into his enemy's corner. She follows it up with a running kick to his jaw, knocking him on his ass. She drives a boot into his throat, choking him for every second of the count she has available to her. The Black Widow breaks the choke at the last possible moment before reaching out to tag Terrella.}
Iyo Kenshin: Terrella coming in. We see Knight over in the opposite corner wanting a tag. His partner is in trouble, and we all know how much Nick would like to get his hands on Stephen Terrella.
Rayne: Terrella is looking right at Knight, too.
{Terrella brings RAM out of the corner, lifting him in the air by his throat with both hands. Terrella holds RAM up in the air, using the full length of the count himself to his advantage before dropping RAM like a sack of potatoes. Terrella fish hooks RAM's nostril, painfully bringing him back to his feet. Continuing to work at a slow, methodical pace, Terrella applies a full nelson to RAM and starts to violently ragdoll him around before slamming him onto the canvas with a full nelson slam! Terrella runs the ropes, looking to flatten RAM with a big splash... but RAM lifts his knees as Terrella leaps. Stephen catches both of RAM's knees in his chest! RAM starts to make the crawl toward his corner. Terrella gasps for breath, trying to get enough oxygen for a pursuit as he is laying on his side watching RAM crawl. Portia hops up on the apron as RAM gets closer to the corner, drawing the official's attention. RAM makes a tag to Knight at Terrella gets back to his feet!}
{The Hollywood Butcher bursts into the ring, unloading on Terrella with right hands as Portia hops down! Knight runs the ropes; but has to abruptly stop when the official gets directly in front of him. Tommy tells Knight he can't be in the ring without a tag! Knight pleads his case, explaining RAM made the tag. Tommy Knocker stands firm and starts a count on Knight, despite Nick's protests. RAM tries to argue. Cyrus and Vivienne half-heartedly offer a bit of back-up. Knight throws his hands in the air in frustration. Terrella smirks at Knight, causing the Hollywood Butcher to try to push his way past the referee. RAM comes back in the ring, voicing his anger more. Terrella trucks RAM with a shoulder tackle before turning to knock Cyrus from the apron with a big left hand. Terrella looks to do the same to Vivienne, but she alertly snaps his throat across the top rope by dropping to the floor. Nick shoves the official out of the way and just starts hammering away on Terrella. Before the Partners In Crime can get back in the ring, Bella Morte make their way around the ring and start double-teaming Cyrus on the outside! The Tag Team Champions together prove to be a tough fight for Cyrus, as both Eternity and Abigail throw punches at him. Vivienne peels off Abigail as the fight continues outside.}
{In the ring, the official tries to separate Knight from Terrella. Knight draws back on Tommy, almost ready to clobber him; but he thinks better of it, knowing it'd be a disqualification. The Black Widow creeps around the apron, staying low until she sneaks up on Knight and grabs his ankles. She pulls his feet out from under him, landing him on his face. She struggles to drag him out under the ropes as Tommy is losing all control. Portia takes off her high heel and throws it into Terrella. Stephen picks up the shoe and as RAM turns around, Terrella spins and catches him right between the eyes with the point of it! Terrella tosses Portia's shoe back out to her. He reaches down, pulling RAM up and drilling him with "The Diffuser" (A Burning Hammer). Terrella covers RAM, driving his forearm into RAM's face for spite. The official turns to spot the cover as the fights continue outside. Knight makes a last-ditch effort to get back in the ring to break up the count but the Black Widow grabs his leg as the referee counts RAM's shoulders down for three seconds. The official signals for the bell!}
Ding!
Ding!
Ding!
Iyo Kenshin: No! Savage By Nature has stolen another win!
Rayne: Call it what you want, Iyo; but the record book will read Savage By Nature and Bella Morte defeated Knight, RAM and the Partners in Crime!
{Terrella sits on the canvas next to the fallen RAM as the fight between Bella Morte and the Partners In Crime continues on the outside. Knight levels the Black Widow on the outside with a lariat before going back inside the ring and diving onto Terrella to unload punches on him. Terrella throws Knight off and they both scramble to try to be the first man to their feet. Wanting to avoid the chaos of last week, Randon Haynes comes out and starts sending waves of security down to the ring. The security team members try to get between the competitors. Cyrus takes out one man with "The Price Of Freedom" (F-5)! Eternity delivers The "Last Rites" (Pedigree) to another while Abigail hits "Blind Faith" (Sister Abigail) on a female security member. Vivienne grabs a security member trying to latch onto her husband's arm and delivers a "Tik Tok" (Pyramid driver)! More security come out, along with road agents, Mr. Happy, Warren Suffering and some more officials; all trying to get between everyone.}
Iyo Kenshin: Fans, we need to take a break while we try to sort this all out. We'll be right back after the break!
-------------------------------
FREEDOM?
-------------------------------
Location: The Compound from the Escape by Dawn Match
{ Dusk has settled in. The sun is low, nearly nonexistent on the horizon. Thereās a crispness in the air, almost a dryness. Itās been a long time since this land has seen rain.
The iron bars that previously locked Rob Diamond into the compoint slowly withdrew. We make our way into the first room. Chains dangle and clang from the ceiling, the weapons they previously held now all gone. Gathered up and collected for later use.
Room by room we move through the building, remnants of the mayhem all around us like reminders of a waking nightmare. Eventually we find ourselves in the bowels of the building, the dank and musty basement. All around us are what remains of tiny rooms framed by rotting wood, likely where low tier office workers once toiled away in darkness.
Finally we come upon the main event of the evening, a man tied to a chair with a goat mask turned backward on his head. A lone light hangs from the ceiling, swaying ever so slightly in what little breeze makes it this far into the compound. A low breathing can be heard in the darkness but it doesnāt come from the man tied to the chair, itās source isnāt immediately evident. }
Rob: I can hear you, you sonofabitch.
{ Teeth chatter in the dark, echoing off the old stone walls like someone dropping a fistful of change on the moldy cement floor. The man in the goat mask looks from side to side, obviously unable to see nothing. }
Rob: You canāt just keep me down here!!
Abraxes: Can I not?
{ The voice of the beast growls from the darkness. }
Rob: I mean, for one, itās pretty illegal to abduct someone. I watch a lot of true crime and Iām pretty sure this sort of thing comes with jail time. Two, and much more importantly, Mama Kane is going to be pissed and you wouldnāt like her when sheās pissed.
Abraxes: Such chattering noise you make, my son.
{ Rob scoffs from beneath his goat mask. }
Rob: Hey man, talking is like my super power. NOW LET ME GO!
Abraxes: If I should not? You are not in position with which to make demands of me.
{ Robās head slumps in the mask, the horns of it nearly pulling it free from his face. }
Rob: Look man, Iām sure youād get on swimmingly in jail. Like a real life Michael Myers making masks out of paper mache. But is that really how you want to spend the rest of your life?
Abraxes: What is the span of a lifetime to something removed from time.
{ Rob throws his head back now in frustration. }
Rob: COME ON! Let me go so we can get back to kicking each otherās asses!
Abraxes: Hmmmā¦
{ The beast seems to consider from wherever it is he stands in the room, teeth slowly clicking. Slowly he steps forward, his massive form basking in the dim glow of the single light. His body still wears the scars and blood from his battle only a couple weeks ago, as if he hasnāt showered or changed since, not wanting to wash the glory of battle away just yet. }
Rob: Isnāt that what you want!? To beat my ass!?
Abraxes: Punishment? I have had ample opportunity to give.
{ The beast rips the mask from Robās head so that he may look into the eyes of fear. }
Abraxes: You are mine to do with as I please. To harm or to spare
{ Rob nods his head. }
Rob: Yeah, but it wouldnāt be nearly as fun.
Abraxes: You think amusement is what I crave?
Rob: I honestly donāt have a fucking clue what youāre after. Like, at all! All I know is youāve been singling me out for a while now and itās really pissing me off!
Abraxes: What then does that make you desire?
Rob: I want to beat the absolute living shit out of you.
{ A sinister grin works its way across the beast's lips from beneath his mask. With his big paws he begins to untie the rope that is holding Rob in place. One knot after another until Rob is granted the freedom he so desires. }
Abraxes: Two weeks.
{ The beast turns away from Rob now who is still just sitting there watching him go. The beast lumbers further and further away while Rob looks from side to side. }
Rob: Two weeks what!?
{ The beast looks back over his immense shoulder. }
Abraxes: Survive. Or donāt.
{ Rob nods his head as the beast turns away again, disappearing into the bowels of darkness. }
Rob: Ok big man. Survival of the Fittest? I got ya. But weāre doing this falls count anywhere.
{ The beastās teeth chatter from the abyss as if in agreement leaving Rob to sit with his decision in the lone light in the room. }
-------------------------------
SEGMENT
Word Limit 2000
Participants: TDH
TDH meet in advance of their looming title defences... what is on Jack Ferriman's mind?
-------------------------------
{The camera comes on to Pax, Nate and Jack are sitting backstage enjoying each other's company before the camera person clears their throat.}
Jack Ferriman: Oh hey man, whatās up?
Willy Carter: Yo guys, howās it going?
Pax Stormcrow: What up, Willy?
Willy Carter: Yaāll up to talk about your plans? How do you feel about the Survival of the Fittest matches coming up?
Pax Stormcrow: How am I feelin? Feelin pretty stoked. They dropping three other poor fools in the ring with me in a match where the last fall counts? With ya boi? The man with the gas tank? The one whoās shown he got the skills and the body to out wrestle and out last anyone this company can throw at me? Bet. Who they got me up against? Bryce? Caleb? Donāt make me laugh. Maybe if they team up on me they could make me work for it.
Nate Harris: At least you are fighting something new. Iām fighting a bunch of guys Iāve already beaten before. Which by the by, Iām feeling pretty fucking good about. Iām hype and ready to fucking do. Letās fucking set this off. Doesnāt matter who is in the match or the weapon. Iām gonna win and itās not even funny. Trust.
Willy Carter: Cool. cool. And what about you Jack? What will you be doing during survival of the fittest?
Jack Ferriman: Cheering on my boy. Would I love for us to be in the tag match? Hells yeah. But clearly management donāt. But Iām not a bitter green eyed monster. I cheer on my boys and I support them 110%.
-------------------------------
MAIN EVENT
MURDER REVENGE TOUR FINALE
LAST COMPETITOR STANDING MATCH
Brooklyn Madrox vs Dean Harper
-------------------------------
Alison Valance: The following Revenge match is scheduled for Last COMPETITOR standing! The winner will be determined by who is still standing at the end of the match!
Iyo Kenshin: Here we are. The end of the road for this gauntlet of a trial. Dean has had to fight every member of The Murder.
Rayne: And heās won everyone so far.
{The lights in the arena fade to black as purple and white strobe lights begin to flitter about the crowd and a low misty fog envelopes the entranceway. The frantic strobe effect over the top of a drum beat stop as suddenly stops as they began. "IāM NOT AN OUTCASTā blasts forth from the speakers of the arena and all spotlights turn to the top of the ramp to illuminate the figure standing there, eyes closed and head lowered.}
You think I'm evil
Say I'm obscene
Call me a misfit
I'm just unique
{As the song continues, Brooklyn's head snaps upwards, smirking around at the audience as her shockingly blue eyes glint in the smoke and strobe lights. She takes a step forward, unconsciously cracking her neck from side to side, her eyes fixated on the ring in front of her.}
Alison Valance: Making her way to the ring, weighing in at 112 pounds Ms Can't Miss, BROOKLYYYYYYYN MAAAAAAADROOOOOOX!
You say I'm trouble
Call me a freak
It's not intentional
It's just me
{Brooklyn looks up, her smirk turning into a snarling smile, tongue tracing along her upper teeth, before she begins her walk to the ring. She seems to glide up the ring steps before wiping her boots on the apron and stepping into the ring.}
I'm just misunderstood
I'm just miss misunderstood
I'm just miss misunderstood
I'm just miss misunderstood
{She makes her way to the center of the ring, raising an arm high into the air before lowering it, finger pointed at her opponent as she refuses to break eye contact.}
Iyo Kenshin: Brooklyn has been building to this match for months, maybe years. Dean took out Rowan and other members of the murder. Brooklyn has been more than justified in wanting this payback.
Rayne: Letās hope she actually gets it.
{Intro of Throne by Bring Me The Horizon begins to play. The arena is plunged into darkness, with only a few spotlights scanning the crowd. As the first verse starts, a low, pulsating beat resonates throughout the arena, building anticipation}
āRemember the moment you left me alone and
Broke every promise you ever made
I was an ocean, lost in the open
Nothin' could take the pain away "
{As the chorus hits, a sudden explosion of pyrotechnics erupts at the entrance ramp. The spotlights converge to illuminate Dean Harper. He walks down to the ring with his head held high and a wicked smile on his face. He jumps up onto the apron before springing on the bottom rope into the ring. Once in the center of the ring, Dean methodically removing his jacket and tossing it aside, revealing his tattooed muscular physique. The music fades, leaving only the sound of the crowdās roar and Dean Harper standing in the center of the ring, ready for the battle ahead.}
Alison Valance: Next down to the ring, standing at 6ā2, weighing in at 185 poundsā¦ DEAN HARPER!
Iyo Kenshin: Dean has been a cocky little shit this whole gauntlet.
Rayne: But hopefully things change here.
{The crowd buzzes with anticipation as Dean Harper and Brooklyn Madrox circle each other, eyes locked. Both fighters are known for their reckless, relentless styles, and a Last Person Standing match is the perfect arena for them to unleash it all. The bell rings, and they immediately close in, no hesitation in their movements. This match is about to get violent. They meet in the center of the ring with a flurry of blowsāBrooklynās quick elbows, knees, and rapid-fire strike combinations clash against Deanās spinning side kicks and forearm smashes. The crowd erupts as each strike lands harder than the last, neither willing to give an inch. Dean catches Brooklyn off-guard with a snap belly-to-belly suplex into the turnbuckle, but sheās quick to recover, answering with a handspring back elbow. Dean staggers back, his face already showing a hint of crimson from a sharp elbow.}
Iyo Kenshin: Sheās made him bleed!
Rayne: But thatās nothing. He bleeds like Carrie at Prom night.
{Undeterred, Brooklyn presses her advantage, trapping Dean in the corner and delivering a sequence of knee and shin strikes to his torso, finishing with a low dropkick to his chest. Dean slides down to a seated position, and Brooklyn goes for Balor's Gazeāa superkick to his head. Dean ducks at the last second, leaving her leg caught up in the ropes. He seizes the opportunity, grabs her, and plants her with a Running Double Knee Strike to her face.
The referee begins counting, but Brooklyn is up at the count of five, shaking off the impact.}
Iyo Kenshin: That was close.
Rayne: Come on Brooklyn, you can do this.
{Deanās adrenaline is surging, and he throws Brooklyn out of the ring to bring the fight to ringside. He wastes no time, leaping over the top rope with a Diving Senton, crashing down on her and earning a massive pop from the crowd. Brooklyn crumples to the ground, but as the ref starts counting, she rolls onto her stomach, pulling herself up on the barricade to break the count.}
Iyo Kenshin: Come on Brooklyn. You can do this!
Rayne: Out of the two of them, I thought Youād be on Harperās sideā¦.
{Dean isnāt waiting. He charges, but Brooklyn catches him with a Snap Underarm STO, slamming his head onto the concrete floor. She follows up by trapping him under the ring apron, delivering a brutal running football kick to his head. The crowd cringes as Dean reels from the attack, blood starting to stain his hairline.}
Iyo Kenshin: She got him good with that one.
Rayne: Blood isnāt enough.
{Brooklyn takes a moment to catch her breath before grabbing a steel chair. She swings it down onto Dean's backagain and again, each impact echoing throughout the arena. She stands over him, breathing heavily, before planting a final shot to his midsection. The ref counts again. Dean clutches his ribs but forces himself to his feet at eight, eyes blazing with a mix of pain and fury.}
Iyo Kenshin: Jesus. Why does he keep getting up?
Rayne: Because heās not human.
{Dean, back on his feet, retaliates with brutal efficiency. He sends Brooklyn crashing into the steel steps with a Running Knee Lift into a Hangmanās Neckbreaker, rattling her spine against the unforgiving metal. She slumps against the steps, and Dean uses the moment to climb onto the apron. With a scream, he launches himself off in a Descent into Hellāa running sunset flip powerbomb off the apron that drives Brooklynās back into the floor. The referee starts counting again, but Brooklyn pulls herself up at seven, defying the pain coursing through her body.}
Iyo Kenshin: Brooklyn isnāt going down easy.
Rayne: COME ON BROOKLYN!
{Deanās relentless, though. He drags her toward the announcerās table, hoisting her up. Brooklyn, sensing danger, fights back with desperation, slamming elbows into his face before breaking free. She hops onto the table and catches him with a Pele Kick, sending him stumbling back. She doesnāt stop there. With a roar, she runs and leaps off the table, hitting Up, Up, Down, Downāa jumping reverse STO that plants Dean into the concrete. The impact is so intense that Dean lies motionless, and the referee begins counting.
This time, itās Dean who is slow to rise, making it to his feet just at the nine-count, swaying but refusing to fall.}
Iyo Kenshin: I didnāt like how close that was.
Rayne: Please leave us out of this.
{Both wrestlers are visibly exhausted and bloodied, but neither one is willing to give up. They stagger back into the ring, knowing this match will end only when one of them canāt answer the count. Brooklyn charges in with Tooth and Nail, unleashing a brutal flurry of palm strikes, forearms, and elbows that backs Dean into the corner. She caps it off with a spinning discus elbow that smashes across his jaw, sending him down hard.}
Iyo Kenshin: Ouch.
Rayne: Will it be enough?
{Brooklyn stumbles backward, breathing heavily as the ref counts. Dean looks dazed, almost out, but at nine, he lunges to his feet, using the ropes to steady himself. He flashes a blood-streaked grin, taunting Brooklyn. She scowls, her determination as fierce as ever, and goes in for Big Bad Wolf, looking to end it with her ripcord swinging facebusterāBut Dean counters, twisting out of her grasp and catching her with a vicious Bicycle Knee to her face, staggering her. Without missing a beat, he pulls her in and lifts her up, delivering Clipped Wings, his brutal double underhook lifting piledriver. Brooklyn crashes down, motionless on the mat.}
Iyo Kenshin: Fuck.
Rayne: FUCK!
{The referee begins the final count as Dean watches, breathing hard, a look of grim satisfaction on his face. Brooklyn stirs, trying to push herself up, but she collapses again. The crowd holds its breath as the ref reaches ten.}
Alison Valance: And your winner... DEAN HARPER!
Iyo Kenshin: Goddamn it.
Rayne: son of a bitch!
{Dean stands victorious, bloodied and battered, but triumphant. The referee raises his arm, and he surveys the wreckage, a twisted smile of satisfaction on his face.}
Rayne: And just like that, all of Brooklynās plans to bring Dean Harper down, everything she arranged, the whole legion she brought to bearā¦ all for nothing. Dean Harper truly seems to be unstoppable.
Iyo Kenshin: Whereās the justice!? This canāt be how this ends!
{Dean smirks as he moves to the ropes, about to slide through them and exit up the rampā¦ but suddenly his music stops. A video feed appears on the Imperatron - a shaky, handheld camera running through hospital halls bathed in flashing red lights, a fire alarm blaring in the background. A panicked looking Nurse gestures frantically from her station, beckoning the camera holder to take shelter.}
Nurse: Over here! Get down!
Cameraman: Whatās going on? Whatās happening?
Nurse: Shhhh! Donāt talk so loud, itāll hear usā¦
Cameraman: What will hear us?
{The nurse looks into the camera, eyes wide with panic.}
Nurse: It woke up. It wasnāt supposed to wake up. He *promised* it wouldnāt wake upā¦
Cameraman: What woke up?
{The nurse opens her mouth to answer, but something abruptly drags her into the dark hall before her screams are cut short.}
Snarling Voice: *Alllā¦ for nothingā¦. Whereā¦ is the Justiceā¦?*
Iyo Kenshin: Uh. Rayne? Isnāt that what we justā¦?
Rayne: Donāt. Say. Another. Word.
{The lights in the arena go down, only showing the dark hallway on the Imperatron and the heavy, panicked breathing of the cameraman.}
Cameraman: Oh fuckā¦ oh fuckā¦ fuckā¦ fuckā¦ what the fuckā¦ what the fuckā¦ whatā¦
{A pair of golden eyes appears glowing through the darkness of the hallway on the camera feed. The cameraman goes completely silent as the opening riffs of A Birthday Massacreās āRed Starsā starts to play.}
Snarling Voice: Whereā¦ isā¦ Harper?
Cameraman: Pleaseā¦ I donātā¦ Iā¦
Snarling Voice: BRING. ME. HARPER.
{The eyes lunge through the dark hallway at impossible speed before the camera feed abruptly ends. The music continues to play as dark red light fills the arena, showing Dean in the center of the ring looking like heās seen a ghost.}
Iyo Kenshin: Thatās not justiceā¦
Rayne: No, Iyo. Thatās PAYBACK.
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Well howdy there pardner.