Terri Morasco: Welcome to Monday Night Sacrifice! Live from the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida!
Vasco Dias: We’ve got a huge night tonight! A diamonds fatal four way, Derek Brooks versus Dorian Hawkhurst and a main event that will see Alex Jones taking on Bob Pooler!
Terri Morasco: And those are just the announced matches.
Vasco Dias: Yes, rumor has it Roberto Verona will be here later tonight, we’ve also got Steve Awesome scheduled to appear and an announcement regarding the ShieldMaiden match at Metamorphosis!
Alison Valance: This following match is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Detroit, Michigan and weighing in at 201lbs. He is Jayson Matthews!
Alison Valance: And his opponent, from Miami, Florida and weighing in at 230lbs. “JFK”, James Franklin Karn!
Terri Morasco: Let's get our next match underway. Let's see if Jayson Matthews has yet to find a winning formula.
Vasco Dias: Or if JFK is just going to waster the kid as I predict.
Vasco Dias: James Franklin Karn not wasting any time. Tell me Terri. How would you feel if you were JFK? A serious talent on the IWF, relegated to fighting up against…THAT?!
Terri Morasco: Come on now Vasco that’s just lazy. Picking on the easy target. Jayson Matthews has shown an unerring dedication and passion for professional wrestling.
Vasco Dias: And a propensity for losing.
Terri Morasco: See Vasco! That is what happens when you underestimate an opponent.
Vasco Dias: Have I mentioned how much I dislike this high-flying circus nonsense. It’s not wrestling!!
Terri Morasco: Yes, yes you have. Like a broken record.
Vasco Dias: Well it still stands.
Terri Morasco: There’s a reason those moves are called high risk. And Jayson Matthews is feeling the consequences.
Terri Morasco: Interesting you should say that. I can see your shoes, and they aren’t that big…You know what they say about shoe size being an indicator of the size of something else?
Vasco Dias: JFK it seems is now hoping to wear down his opponent and slow down this match-up.
Terri Morasco: Definitely a clever idea. JFK can’t hope to match Jayson Matthews in speed and agility, so he is taking that out of the equation.
Terri Morasco: Have to give it to Jayson Matthews. Somehow he keeps finding within himself to fight back against everything JFK throws at him.
Vasco Dias: What an idiot. Another reason why those high-flying stunts are no good. They often hurt the user.
Terri Morasco: It would suck if this match ended in a double count out.
Vasco Dias: This may be the defining moment. If JFK doesn’t pull something now, it’s all over.
Vasco Dias: Alright and on to our next match.
Terri Morasco: How the hell does Jayson still have anything left in the tank.
Vasco Dias: Wait, it’s still not over? Groan.
Terri Morasco: If Jayson can somehow lock in his submission move he will have JFK dead to rights.
Vasco Dias: That could be a big IF, there Terri.
Terri Morasco: That has got to be it. Jayson fought valiantly but once more fell short.
Vasco Dias: About time.
Terri Morasco: So our next match is going to be a good one.
Vasco Dias: I HATE IT when he interrupts me like that! Besides, he's not even supposed to be here! What the hell gives?
Terri Morasco: I'm getting word that Roberto Verona has given him the okay to come out here tonight.
Rob Diamond: NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! You CAN'T be here! Your IWF contract is null and void and you are in the middle of a law suit with my advocate, the ever hot, Laura Howlett! Now get the hell out of my ring before you lose something else! Not that you have much left to take, I mean... Besides Mandi and the kid.
Steve Awesome: See, that's where your wrong. See while it is true that you are taking everything from me, the one thing you can't take away from me is my brain, and well I had an idea that Verona really enjoyed, and he allowed me this chance to share it with you all. I was wondering Rob...what you were doing around Metamorphosis?”
Steve Awesome: I don't care about these lawsuits, I don't care about judges, or court rooms....Rob Diamond you made my daughter cry on Christmas and for that alone I should grab you by your nasty beard and kick the hell out of you all over this arena....
Steve Awesome: But instead, I have a proposition for you. How about we end this once and for all. How about we face off one more time at Metamorphosis. But to sweeten the deal Rob, I'm willing to lay it all on the line. You want to take everything from me, you want my career and my legacy so much, you want to own me? Well you can have it all, Rob. I'll sever ties with my entire legacy, and I'll go home forever.
Steve Awesome: But if I win....you drop the lawsuit.....and YOU LOSE YOUR CONTRACT! If I win, then your GONE FROM IWF!
Steve Awesome: Because I've been thinking Rob....we've been at each other's throat's for almost an entire year! You put me on the shelf, you blackmailed me into doing your dirty work in the God Damn house of Howlett. You ruined my daughters Christmas. You've gone from being one of my best friends, to my biggest enemy. You've devoted your time and energy into destroying me and I never understood what I did to you, but I don't care anymore because I can't even stand to look at your stupid face anymore! I don't think there will ever be a time when I won't want to rip your head right off your shoulders and punt kick your head into the front row and I'll tell you Rob, that thought breaks my damn heart. Because I loved you man....
Steve Awesome: ....but you ruined it! So I've been thinking Rob.......
Steve Awesome: This town ain't big enough for the two of us.
Steve Awesome: One of us has to go Rob.
Steve Awesome: And if it's me, then so be it....I'll hit the road and you'll get your wish Rob. I'll be gone forever, never to be heard from again. You get everything. But if I win.....then your gone.
Steve Awesome: Forever.
Steve Awesome: Never to be heard from....again.
Steve Awesome: So tell me....do you got the guts to put it ALL on the line at Metamorphosis? Or are you going to hide behind Laura Howlett and a court room?
Rob Diamond: You don't have the vaguest idea why I hate you after all these years together?
Rob Diamond: I worked MY ASS OFF! To reach the top of NCW. I went from being a goat fucking loser to the longest reigning X Champion to World Champion in a year! I worked my way from the very bottom of the card, from not even having a GODDAMN contract to being the face of the company! And where were you Steve!? Where the fuck were you!? At my side? No, not exactly, you were lurking just behind me, watching, waiting, looking for your chance to swoop in and TAKE EVERYTHING FROM ME!!!
Rob Diamond: Fuck kayfabe, you knew things were rocky between Zelda and me and you still challenged me to a World title match then you went on to mock me and my personal life! You didn't cut a promo about the character Rob Diamond. You fucking ridiculed my VERY REAL problems at home with a woman I was in love with! THEN!
Rob Diamond: Then you took my World Championship...
Rob Diamond: You took something from me that I had worked YEARS FOR! And you did it when I was at my weakest, when you knew my head wasn't in the game and you played that weakness against me. I walked into that match thinking abut Zelda, about how bad everything was going and you walked in with a smile, kicked me in the nuts and took the only thing I had left at the moment... AND YOU WONDER WHY I HATE YOU!? Steve, I've been waiting YEARS to get you back for that. YEARS!!! And now, now I have you exactly where I want you. No contract. No career. No home. All you've got are the clothes on your back and that pitiful excuse for a love interest. I'VE TAKEN EVERYTHING FROM YOU LIKE YOU DID FROM ME! Well... Almost everything.
Rob Diamond: See, even after the law suit is over you'll still be Steve Awesome, you'll still be able to make money off of that. No. I want Steve Awesome, the name, the career, the library, the royalties and everything attached to it! I want you reduced to nothing more than Steve fucking Bates and his merry little family living hand to mouth out of a two family house in some piece of shit city in the mid west!
Rob Diamond: I plan to. Metamorphosis? My contract versus your name? I QUIT MATCH!
Rob Diamond: I'm going to leave you as broken as you left me.
Steve Awesome: You're going to try.
Vasco Dias: I can't wait to see the look on Steve's face when he realizes he just dug his own grave here tonight!
Terri Morasco: Yeah well, we will see about that one at Metamorphosis next Sunday, Vasco. But for now,We're going to cut to a commercial.
{The relentless opening chords of "Vortex" by Los Savants crash out as Gabriela Luna dashes out onto the stage, throwing her fist into the air to the cheers of the crowd. She shouts at the crowd, beckoning them on with her hands, and grins widely at them before turning and charging down the ramp.}
Alison Valance: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! On her way to the ring, from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, weighing in at 105 pounds, Gabriela Luna!
Terri Morasco: Gabriela Luna suffered a loss to the number-one contender for the Shieldmaiden last week, and now she faces the number-one contender for the Diamonds Title. Top-shelf competition for her in recent weeks.
Vasco Dias: She said she wanted opportunity. There isn’t much greater opportunity than taking on number-one contenders besides the champions themselves, and who knows what’ll happen with a victory?
{Gabriela leaps and slides feet-first under the bottom rope, rolling to her feet and coming up with a defiant shout of joy. She runs over to the nearest empty corner, leaping up onto the second turnbuckle and further beckoning the crowd on before hopping down into a crouch and waiting for the match to start.}
Alison Valance: And her opponent…
{"I'm Shipping Up to Boston" by Dropkick Murphys kicks into high gear as Fiona McFly marches out on stage, takes a bow, and heads down to the ring--giving lucky fans quick pecks on the cheek along the way.}
Alison Valance: From Belfast, Northern Ireland, weighing in at 147 pounds, Fiona McFly!
Vasco Dias: A tough loss to the twin sister of her Metamorphosis opponent last week, and if the Belfast Bombshell wants to stop the skid before her title opportunity she’s gonna need to bring her A game.
Terri Morasco: Fiona McFly can beat any Diamond on this roster on any given week, and she already has the assurance of a win over Gabriela in the history books. Still, anything can happen.
{The referee moves away from both women, looking between them, and signals for the bell. Gabriela and Fiona tentatively circle each other, and Fiona throws a kick towards Gabriela’s chest. The smaller woman forward rolls underneath, the kick cutting through the air where she stood, and back-rolls as Fiona turns, hooking her head with her feet and snapping Fiona over with a quick headscissors! Fiona flips over, landing hard on her stomach, and Gabriela hits the ropes as she recovers, delivering a quick somersault senton to Fiona’s upper back! Gabriela rolls Fiona over, quickly covering!
ONE!
KICKOUT! Gabriela shakes her head, shouting “CAN’T BLAME ME!” as she gets to her feet.}
Terri Morasco: And that typically explosive start for Gabriela Luna, with a quick pin attempt.
Vasco Dias: The key for Fiona McFly is going to be weathering the storm. Gabriela’s got a lot in the early going, but she throws herself in too hard, too quick, and she’ll make a mistake Fiona can capitalize on.
{Gabriela grabs Fiona as she stands from a kneeling position, snaring a front facelock on the much taller woman, and delivers a sharp knee to Fiona’s face. She hooks her up for a suplex and attempts to kick her over, but Fiona struggles against the move, using her significant height advantage to block. Gabriela grunts, trying to pull her over again, but Fiona pushes back, turning it into a suplex of her own! Fiona hauls Gabriela back to her feet, hooking her in for a Russian legsweep! Fiona floats over into the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT! Fiona nods, taking a deep breath as Gabriela rolls onto her stomach.}
Terri Morasco: Speaks to what you were saying, Vasco. Gabriela tried to change her style up, and Fiona got to bring that size advantage to bear.
{Fiona shakes her head, backing up and clapping her hands. Gabriela stands to her feet, and Fiona charges in, only to eat an arm drag! The Irishwoman is back up to her feet immediately, though, and runs into a second arm drag. Bouncing up once more, Gabriela grabs Fiona’s wrist for an Irish whip, but Fiona pulls it back into a back elbow to the side of Gabriela’s head. She whips Gabriela into the corner, charging in after her, and Gabriela manages to get her feet up to block the charge. Gabriela hops up to the second rope, beckoning for Fiona to turn around, and leaps as she does, reaching back and catching her with a diving neckbreaker as she flies! Gabriela rolls into the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT! Gabriela lets out a shout of frustration, dropping an elbow on Fiona before kipping back to her feet! She runs at the turnbuckles, leaping up to the top and coming off with a dazzling moonsault! Gabriela hooks the leg!
ONE!
TWO!
TH—KICKOUT! Gabriela rocks back on her knees, letting out an incoherent shout of rage at the heavens as Fiona gets slowly back to a vertical base.}
Terri Morasco: Another good display of offense from Gabriela, but she’s going to need to check that temper if she wants to walk out victorious here.
Vasco Dias: No doubt about that.
{Gabriela gets to her feet, turning around into a THUNDEROUS kick to the chest from Fiona McFly! Gabriela drops straight to the mat, jumping up and clutching her chest only to walk into a big right hand! Gabriela’s dazed by the offense, and Fiona delivers another spinning roundhouse to the stomach. She follows up with a massive uppercut that staggers Gabriela, and hits the ropes, coming off with the CHALLENGER sliding football tackle to Gabriela’s leg! She hits the canvas, clutching her knee, and struggles to sit up as Fiona measures her carefully. Gabriela gets to a sitting position just in time for Fiona to hit the ropes and dash her in the face with the running superior football kick she calls the PENALTY! Gabriela is knocked to the mat, and Fiona hooks both legs!
ONE!
TWO!
THRE—KICKOUT! Fiona double-checks with the referee in shock, but nods resignedly as she runs a hand through her hair.}
Terri Morasco: Two potent maneuvers back to back, the Challenger and the Penalty almost were the red card for Gabriela Luna here tonight!
Vasco Dias: She can’t let up now. Fiona has momentum on her side for the first time this match, she can’t just give her room to breathe.
{Fiona hauls Gabriela to her feet, hooking her in an inverted facelock and looking for the SENDING OFF! No! Gabriela fires an elbow to the side of Fiona’s ribs, staggering her! A second! A third! Gabriela wriggles free, straightening up, and leaps back, cracking her in the head with LA TIJERA! Fiona stumbles back, staggered, and Gabriela slips between the ropes, measuring her as she turns before springboarding in with the HEELS OVER HEAD dragonrana, bringing the crowd to her feet! Fiona’s planted straight on her head, and Gabriela hooks both legs!
ONE!
TWO!
THRE—KICKOUT! Gabriela pounds the mat, taking a deep breath, and squares up her shoulders, standing up and screaming “¡MIRAME!” The crowd cheers back in approval, and Gabriela nods, heading for the corner. She climbs the ropes, not looking back in time to see Fiona get to her feet and rush the ropes! Gabriela’s dropped hard onto the turnbuckle in a seated position, and Fiona grins, signaling for the end!}
Terri Morasco: We came within inches of Gabriela taking that one, but Fiona’s got a golden opportunity here!
Vasco Dias: She needs to take it, now!
{Fiona fires a forearm into Gabriela’s lower back, causing her to double up again, and she climbs the turnbuckles, hooking Gabriela in an inverted facelock again as she calls to the crowd! The audience comes alive at the prospect of a top-rope Sending Off, but Gabriela fires another elbow into Fiona’s face as she taunts, causing her to stagger on the ropes. Gabriela fires another shot back before turning and shoving with all her might, sending Fiona crashing to the canvas! Gabriela unsteadily gets to her feet, glancing back this time before leaping off and connecting with the PHOENIX SPLASH! Gabriela hooks the leg, nodding along with the referee’s count!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE! Gabriela lets go of the pin, slumping back in joy as “Vortex” plays.}
Alison Valance: Here is your winner, Gabriela Luna!
Terri Morasco: What an upset! Gabriela Luna has just pinned the number-one contender to the Diamonds Title!
Vasco Dias: Absolutely right, Terri, this IS an upset! And while Gabriela’s celebrating, you KNOW that’s going to weigh on Fiona heading into next Sunday.
{Gabriela leans into the camera through the ropes, shouting “I DON’T CARE WHO’S GOT IT, PAIGE OR HER, I’M COMIN’ FOR THAT TITLE!” before pulling back and slingshotting to the outside. She begins walking to the back, jawing at the crowd, as Fiona sits up, shaking her head. The crowd gives Fiona a huge round of applause, with cheers and a light “FI-O-NA!” chant breaking out as she makes her way to the back.}
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SEGMENT
”Mi partner.”
----------------------------------------------------------
{Backstage we find Zasshu with Rob Diamond and Laura Howlett, they seem to be discussing something when all nod in agreement. Laura and Rob walk off down the hall but Zasshu instead turns to head the other direction but almost collides head first with El Grande Malo who wears a big goofy grin and holds a couple of churros in his hands. }
Malo: Hola amigo,
{Malo takes a big bite out of his churro and smiles back at Zasshu who stands there. }
Malo: So, amigo, I is thinking about our match with tag teaming ...
{Malo rips off another bite, bits of the cinnamon sugar clinging to his beard. }
Malo: You, you let Malo wear down Los Rednecks - genius, amigo!
{Zasshu is unsure of how to respond to the ridiculous man before him who continues to enjoy his tasty treat. }
Malo: So, Malo, heI is thinking that we is making the muy bueno good team, and maybe we is teaming again in the future, ¿si?
Zasshu: Teaming again?
{It comes off as a question but the annoyance in the voice of Zasshu is clear. }
Malo: ¡Si, amigo! Bueno Club is the undefeated in tag teams action!
Zasshu: We are not a team.
Malo: If Malo is having the dimes for each time I is hearing the peoples tell him no ...
{Malo trails off, leaving the pair just standing there in awkward silence for another moment }
Malo: I is thinking that we should have the matching shirts for when we is tag teaming again!
Zasshu: Again?
{Malo looks on with a huge grin. }
Malo: ¡SI! I is already asking the match maker peoples to find us the new opposition!
Zasshu: I am-
Malo: Muy excited, Malo is too, amigo, Malo is too!
{Malo now hands the second churro to Zasshu who hesitates for a moment but eventually takes it which brings an even larger smile to the face of Malo. }
Malo: Malo, he be seeing you in the ring, mi amigo; mi partner!
{Malo claps Zasshu on the shoulder as he marches past, now even happier than when he arrived, but Zasshu just stands there holding the churro before dropping it on the ground and looking with disgust in the direction Malo just went. }
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SINGLES MATCH
Dorian Hawkhurst vs Derek Brooks
----------------------------------------------------------
{The arena is filled with a quiet ticking noise. As it gets faster, it turns into an electronic whirling noise. Finally the guitar kicks in and Dorian Hawkhurst walks out from the back. He looks around at the audience while the weight of the lyrics hits him.}
Alison Valance: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Making his way to the ring, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania... “The Demon of Sobriety”... DORIAN HAWKHURST!!!
{Hawkhurst begins walking down to the ring, slapping a few hands along the way despite not taking his eyes off of the ring. He gets to the apron and slides in, making his way to the corner, awaiting the start of the match.}
Terri Morasco: Dorian Hawkhurst looking to bounce back from last week’s four-way disappointment with a win against the confident Derek Brooks here tonight.
Vasco Dias: Ahh… I remember my last four-way disappointment. Let’s see, there was Candy… and Sherell… what was that blonde bi…
Terri Morasco: … Anyway….!
{The synthesized beginning of "Remember The Name" by Fort Minor begins to play as the crowd grows silent.}
YOU READYYYY!?
LET'S GO!
{The beat breaks in and the strobe lights around the arena go with said beat as the crowd begins to amp up.}
"This is ten percent luck..."
{As the lyrics begin a single spotlight shines on the man known as "Greatness" before he glances over his shoulder, staring down at the ring. With a concentrated look he slowly turns and starts down to the ring as he's announced.}
Alison Valance: And his opponent. From New York City, weighing in at two hundred and sixty five pounds, he is "Greatness Personified"...DEREK BROOKS!!!
{He holds out his arms at the end of the walkway as his name echoes throughout the arena as the fans cheer him on. He climbs the stairs and walks along the apron to the corner where he ascends and looks out to the crowd before flinging his arm in the air much to their appease. He jumps down and steps through the ropes, walking to the center, bouncing around, light as a cat despite his large frame as he gazes out to the crowd before snapping around, climbing the corner and flinging his arm in the air again as the flashbulbs go off everywhere. He jumps down and continues bouncing from one foot to the other in a graceful manner as he waits for the match to begin.}
Terri Morasco: For his part, Brooks looks fresh and ready to go!
Vasco Dias: Stop the yakkin’, it’s time for some slappin’! Hit each other!
{The bell rings, causing the two IWF superstars to begin slowly circling each other inside the ring, neither wanting to be the first to make a mistake. Brooks blinks first, charging forwards, but Hawkhurst nimbly manages to avoid the flying forearm attempt, palming Brooks off into the corner. Brooks bounces roughly off the turnbuckle, recovering but only turning straight into Hawkhurst, who hits a stiff forearm of his own to the face of Brooks. Dorian follows up with one… two… three chops to the bare chest of ‘Greatness Personified’, who certainly doesn’t look to be feeling too great right now as he clutches his chest in pain.
Hawkhurst takes a single step back, laughing in the face of his opponent, before whipping him roughly across the ring. Brooks hits the opposite turnbuckle hard, and the Demon of Sobriety follows him straight in with a big avalanche. The crowd let out an audible “OOOHHH” as Brooks crumples to the mat in pain.}
Terri Morasco: The Demon of Sobriety in total control in the early going of this one.
{Hawkhurst grasps at the head of his opponent, attempting to raise Brooks roughly to his feet. Brooks nips out though, and neatly deposits Hawkhurst onto the mat with a tight firemans carry takeover. Hawkhurst quickly bounces up to his feet but is floored almost instantly by a clothesline from the onrushing Derek Brooks. Three seconds later and it’s Groundhog Day, as forearm meets jaw once more, Hawkhurst this time floored more permanently.
Brooks, sensing an opening, dives down for the cover.
ONE…
TW… KICKOUT!}
Vasco Dias: Come on now… you’re gonna have to do more than that to keep him down!
{A flicker of irritation on Derek Brooks’ face, but only for a second, as he stays on top of Hawkhurst with a couple of well-placed stomps to the face, before following up with a front facelock, wrenching hard on the neck of The Demon of Sobriety. Hawkhurst pounds the mat in frustration, trying desperately to fight out of the hold, but Brooks wrenches in tighter, determined to retain control. Greatness Personified allows himself a nod and a little light-hearted jaw-jacking with the crowd. This gives Hawkhurst the opening he needs, The Demon of Sobriety able to fight his way to one knee, before powering up and throwing Brooks off.
Brooks backs onto the ropes, but uses his momentum to bounce off and run straight across the ring, ducking the Hawkhurst clothesline attempt and bouncing off the far ropes. This time, Hawkhurst is prepared, launching Greatness Personified high into the air with a sweetly-timed flapjack, with head meeting canvas with a sickening impact.}
Vasco Dias: Dayum…
Terri Morasco: Insightful broadcasting as always, there, Mr. Dias…
{Hawkhurst rises to his feet slowly, rubbing the back of his neck, before turning his attention back to Brooks, dropping an elbow on his fallen foe. Hawkhurst cackles again, before roughhousing Brooks to his feet, nailing a European uppercut for good measure. The strike seems to wake the New Yorker up, however, and Brooks fires back with three hard right hands, the crowd rising to their feet to will on Greatness Personified. Brooks acknowledges the crowd with a raise of the arm, before depositing Hawkhurst onto the mat with a neat scoop slam.
Brooks, smelling blood, grabs the legs of his fallen opponent, separating them slowly whilst taunting the stricken Hawkhurst, before aiming a barely legal stomp at the waistline of The Demon of Sobriety. Ignoring the referee’s protestations, Brooks thrusts his leg roughly between his opponent’s, crossing Hawkhurst’s over his and turning into…}
Terri Morasco: Submit to Greatness! Vintage Derek Brooks!
{Hawkhurst looks to be in considerable pain, scrabbling against the canvas, desperately trying to get to the ropes. Brooks, though, sits in deeper into the hold, causing Hawkhurst to groan and shout out in pain, yet still firmly shaking his head, informing the referee that he does not give up. Brooks, frustrated he hasn’t heard what he needs, attempts to apply even more pressure to the hold, screaming at Hawkhurst to “Give it up!”. The Demon of Sobriety slams his head into the mat, and slightly raises his right hand into the air.}
Terri Morasco: Is he gonna submit?
Vasco Dias: Wimp! Coward!
{Hawkhurst, though, instead of tapping out to signal his submission, reaches his right hand out and wrenches his and Brooks body towards the ropes. One… two more massive efforts later, and Hawkhurst audibly sighs as he practically collapses onto the bottom rope, causing the break.
Brooks tosses Hawkhurst’s legs away, furious, squaring up to the referee, trying to convince him that “HE TAPPED OUT!” The ref swats away his protests with a loud “NO!”. Brooks turns away… straight into a mammoth Big Boot from the returning Dorian Hawkhurst! Brooks crumples to the mat, and Hawkhurst pounces down for the cover.
ONE…
TWO…
KICKOUT!
Hawkhurst lets out a tiny “Damn…”, before shaking his head slightly, grabbing Brooks’ head and raising him to a standing position. Derek Brooks isn’t standing for long though, as after a swift kick to the gut, he is hoisted into the air by Hawkhurst. The Demon of Sobriety shows impressive strength, holding Brooks up there for four, five, six seconds, prolonging the irony, before dropping suddenly down with a breathtaking Brainbuster.}
Vasco Dias: Jeez… that’s the kind of move that can cause permanent damage! I… kinda like it…!
Terri Morasco: That has to be it!
{Hawkhurst hooks the far leg.
ONE…
TWO…
TH… KICKOUT!!!}
Vasco Dias: How in the hell did he kick out of that!
Terri Morasco: Tremendous will to win exhibited by Derek Brooks right there!
{Brooks hauls himself to his feet using the ropes, and Hawkhurst moves to press the advantage, but Brooks fires off the open-handed slap he calls the Shown Up! Hawkhurst staggers back, clutching his jaw, and Derek steps off the the ropes, continuing to fire off his rapid-fire trash talk, but walks straight into a strike from Hawkhurst of his own, the brutal Polish hammer he calls GETTING HAMMERED! As soon as Brooks is down, though, he’s back up again, hauled roughly to his feet and hoisted into the air before being spiked to the canvas once more with the fisherman’s Orange Crush Bomb known as FALLING OFF THE WAGON! Hawkhurst leans his weight forward, stacking Brooks’ shoulders down!
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!! The bell rings, and Hawkhurst gets to his feet, throwing a weary fist in the air as “Slow Suicide” plays over the PA.}
Alison Valance: Here is your winner, Dorian Hawkhurst!
Terri Morasco: Dorian Hawkhurst was looking to rebound, and rebound he did, with a victory over a very game Derek Brooks!
Vasco Dias: I’m the last one to question Greatness Personified, but that open-handed slap seems to have given Hawkhurst the motivation to put him down. Got to give credit where it’s due. Well done, Mr. Hawkhurst.
----------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENT
”The sit down.”
----------------------------------------------------------
{We go backstage to an interview area, where Kathleen Conway sits between Eternity and Helena Sawyer. Helena has her hands laced together, resting her chin on them as she looks intently across at Eternity, who cradles her Shieldmaiden belt and returns the gaze with an oddly serene expression. Notably there is a black arm band marked KANE on her arm. Kathy looks between the two women, demeanor professional as she addresses them.}
Kathleen Conway: Eternity, Helena, thank you for agreeing to be here today. I know you're both not the most...camera-friendly Diamonds in this division, but given the importance of your upcoming match I thought it appropriate to have a formal interview with both of you.
{The women nod, Helena never breaking her laser-like focus on Eternity, who seems to remain unconcerned. Kathy nods, looking between them once more.}
Kathleen Conway: At Metamorphosis on January 29th, you two will be facing off in the Dragon's Den to determine the IWF Shieldmaiden. This is the first time Diamonds have competed in this type of match. Does that weigh on you at all, knowing that you'll be making history in just under a week? Eternity, as you are the defending champion, you may respond first.
Eternity: There's a first time for everything and a fourth time for nothing, and THAT will not be my time. Knowing the weight of the world on my shoulder as I have known it, both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time, the known is at odds with the unknown within the unknown - a mystery presented without an answer, or so she thinks, but I know. I know her well, too well, like a sister I have never known, like a twister she sits and watches me...
{Kathy looks over at Helena, not entirely following but taking the fact that Eternity has stopped speaking as a signal to move on.}
Helena Sawyer: Not at all, Kathy. Weighing implies that it's dragging us down. This is going to lift us up. Up the cage, up to new highs of just how low we can sink. No, it's not weighing on me. It's making me so excited. I just simply can't wait.
{Kathy smiles at that, allowing a brief chuckle to escape her lips.}
Kathleen Conway: Well, it's good to hear that. This may be slightly redundant, but...knowing the names that have set foot in the Den before, from Hall of Famers like Spike Kane to quintessential champions like my husband, The Ace, do you feel any obligation to measure up to what's been done in the Den before?
{She sits back with a self-satisfied grin on her face, letting the two ladies speak their piece.}
Eternity: The legacies of fathers and sons, both living and dead are allowed to breath in our memory for a glorious eternity. Never to be forgotten, always to be remembered. It is how we live and how we die. It is why we smile and why we cry for him. For a baby brother, gone too soon. Rest in peace in my arms Xander, may you ride on the wings of this Dragon all the way home, little Angel...gone, but not forgotten...
Helena Sawyer: Nonono. No. It's not about...the past. It's never BEEN about the past. This is ours. Our moment to do what only we can do. If anyone will need to measure up...it's all of them. I can see it in Eternity's eyes, and I can feel it in my heart. We're going to redefine what the Dragon's Den means for the whole world.
{Helena flashes a grin at Eternity, who doesn't seem to react. Kathleen nods once more, glancing over at Helena.}
Kathleen Conway: Helena, this next question is mostly for you. Eternity, if you have comments, wait until after she's spoken. I will admit to an outside inspiration for this historic choice. Your friend...if I can call her that...Pandora Freeman referred to Eternity as a dragon, and that phrase...stuck in my head, shall we say? Do you have anything to say about that?
{Helena freezes, her jaw dropping slightly as her eyes involuntarily widen. This prompts the first reaction from Eternity that breaks her serene façade, a gleeful laugh. Helena recovers her composure, flashing a huge grin at Kathy.}
Helena Sawyer: Kathy, thank you so much for telling me! I had been wondering where that inspiration came from, and now I know. I guess...if I have thoughts, it's this. Forget-me-not, my blue beauty...you've given us such a chance. I wouldn't pass it up. It's the best holiday gift I could have asked for. And I'll show you how much it means to me very...VERY...soon.
Eternity: She cracks, like an egg made of glass. More transparent than she realises. Oh this will be SUCH FUN! THE REVELATION IS COMING FOR US ALL! YES IT IS! YES IT IS! IT IS COMING FOR YOU! The one who wears my face as if she knows me, neither mirror, nor reflection, that is the secret she keeps from the world, but not for long! No, it's not long now, Helena, not long at all...
Hehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha....
{Helena's hands unconsciously work into fists and release again, betraying a lack of calm as she breathes through clenched teeth, trying to keep her gaze fixed. Kathy nods, taking a deep breath as she looks between the two.}
Kathleen Conway: This one-on-one matchup has been highly anticipated for several months, with many IWF fans and even some members of the roster expressing interest in it due to your...similar personalities. What do you expect will happen once the door locks and the bell rings?
Helena Sawyer: I think people are going to see just how different we really are. I mean, sure. We're a lot alike. We both try to teach others how to be themselves. We both like paint, we're both not like most girls...or most guys, too. We're going to get down to the core of who we are...
{Helena leans forward in her chair, staring Eternity down intently and letting her voice drop to a growl.}
Helena Sawyer: And if you think I'm going to hesitate with you...think again.
{Kathy leans in, gesturing for Helena to sit back with a hand, and she reluctantly leans back in her chair, allowing Eternity to respond.}
Eternity: You wear it well, the cheap deception, the burning inspiration. An unaccredited cameo in someone else's story. The real story, the one you swore you'd never tell until I leave you with no other choice. Cheese masquerading as chalk and nobody ever writes their story in cheese, delicious and so full of holes only I can see through. The lies will end and the truth will be revealed, you will be found out but never free...until she allow it...and she doesn't want that, not after sll this time. A secret kept for all eternity...from Grace to disgrace...all will know you as I know you...soon, little butterfly, soon...
{Kathy nods, looking between them again.}
Kathleen Conway: Alright then. I think we've done what we can here. Any closing remarks or thoughts?
{Eternity then gets up, placing her Shieldmaiden on her shoulder, and leaves abruptly, leaving Helena with her very last word, as Death often does in all its grace.}
Helena Sawyer: Fear is our weapon. We've used it against our enemies, we've used it to help those who couldn't help themselves...but this is one time and place where fear won't help us. Only blood. Only sweat. Only tears. Only sacrifice. Only suffering. Sorrow and misery will be watching us...all Diamonds give some. At Metamorphosis, we'll give all.
{Kathy looks at Helena, a confident smile on her face, keeping her professionalism over the sudden exit of Eternity.}
Kathleen Conway: Well then, I have no doubt that we'll see a match for the ages. Thank you for joining me, Helena and best of luck to you both...
----------------------------------------------------------
FATAL FOUR WAY
Amber Richards vs Pandora Freeman vs Kate Steele vs Lizzy Dalmon
----------------------------------------------------------
{“We Can't Stop” by Trust the Medic begins to play and Lizzy Dalmon makes his way to the ring, her brother Landon following close behind. The fans boo her as she makes her way to the ring. Halfway there she stops and poses so that people can take a picture of her. When she gets to the ring she climbs the steps and enters. Once in the ring she continues to pose for more pictures}
Vasco Dias: This is a hard match for a debut…
Terri Morasco: I’ll say, a match involving one of the most decorated champions in this company and one of the best up and coming stars…...and Kate Steele….
Vasco Dias: Who cares about Kate Steele?
"We all Recognise...That I'm ..the problem here."
{The lights dim, Even as the Intro to the song helps to light up UV, glowsticks, people waving and bouncing before the beat drops and out slams Pandora, lit up like a christmas tree by UV, as lit slowly bleed back to the area Pandora dances down to the ring, easily gracing movements as she hops up the apron and climbs in before gripping the top rope and arching back down to touch the ring mat with her head and leaves her feet on the ground making quite the arch as she rises up slowly still bouncing to the music as she encoruages the crowd to move with her.}
Terri Morasco: It’s always a party when Pandora turns up…
Vasco Dias: She’s a step away from handing out pills and getting us shut down….
{Monster by Paramore begins to blare all across the sound system and as it does Kate Steele along with her husband Todd Warren begins to emerge from the back curtain. Kate has a huge smile on her face as she stares at the roaring crowd who are all cheering her on. She begins to sprint down the aisle as she claps the hands of outstretched fans.
Kate finally makes it to the ring and she quickly runs up the ring steps as she grabs the turnbuckle as hard as she can. She immediately leap frogs over the ropes and bounces about before she points at the crowd cheering her on. She closes her eyes placing a single finger over her lips offering the Shhhh sound which all the fans follow in. She takes her place in the corner afterwards waiting for the match to begin}
Vasco Dias: Speaking of Mrs Steele…
Terri Morasco: I wonder how she’ll react to seeing Amber, for those who don’t know Amber Richards made her return two weeks ago and attacked Kate Steele…
Vasco Dias: And we all thank her for it….
Terri Morasco: VASCO!
{"Wild eyes" by parkway drive blasts on the PA system, the lyrics rolling out. As the song explodes after the first verse Amber makes her way out her black hair flowing down as she throws her head back and lets out a laugh. Amber makes her way down to the ring, she runs and slides on her knee across the apron before resting her body against the ropes as the music fades out}
Terri Morasco: And there she is...Amber Richards…
Vasco Dias: I don’t understand why people are so angry, the division needed to be shaken up…
Terri Morasco: But this way?....
{The four women stand in their corners staring each other down, the second the bell rings Kate explodes running across the ring spearing Amber out of the ring to the floor, the crowd goes nuts as Kate starts slamming in right hands. In the ring Pandora seems enthralled by the action at ringside, Lizzy takes advantage and runs up spinning upside down with a sunset roll up 1….2..Pandora quickly kicks out and they both get to their feet, Lizzy hits a low kick to Pandora’s stomach and hits the ropes before spinning around with a headscissors.
Meanwhile outside the ring Amber kicks Kate off and gets to her feet but Kate slams in a few hard forearms and throws Amber into the steel steps. Kate starts yelling at Amber grabbing the ring apron and licking Amber in the ribs as she leans against the steps. Lizzy calls for Pandora to get up, as Pandora gets to one knee Lizzy goes for a step up knee, Pandora throws her body back avoiding it and then sits up from a bent position popping from her knee’s to her feet.}
Vasco Dias: Wow, Pandora should not be able to bend that way
Terri Morasco: The girl is triple jointed…
Vasco Dias: Think of the possibilities...
{Kate runs at Amber outside the ring going for a yakuza kick, Amber rolls out of the way and pops back to her feet, as Kate turns around Amber slams in a superkick taking Kate down, Pandora hits an arm drag on Lizzy then leaps up with an enzuguri that causes Lizzy to fall from the ring near Amber, Amber pulls Lizzy to her feet and the two go at it with stiff forearms, Pandora hits the ropes and jumps up stepping on the middle rope launching herself over the top rope with a summersault plancha onto Amber and Lizzy sending the crowd wild. Pandora high fives a few fans only to get blindesided by Kate who hits a hard running knee to her stomach, she rolls Pandora back in the ring and follows.}
Vasco Dias: Pandora is fearless…
Terri Morasco: She is but that could hurt her in the long run
{Kate goes for a lariat but Pandora ducks and hits the pele kick!, Kate goes down holding her face and Pandora rolls to her feet but gets levelled with a yakuza kick from Amber who turns and pins Kate 1….2..Lizzy dives in to break it up, she pulls Amber up by the hair and slams a knee into her face before hitting the ropes with a springboard tornado kick she pins 1….2..Amber kicks out. Kate hits a single knee facebuster on Lizzy and then grabs Pandora’s head running up hitting an enzuguri on Amber before planting Pandora head first, the crowd pops as Kate pins Pan 1….2..kickout}
Vasco Dias: Wow Kate showed some crazy moves
Terri Morasco: But it wasn’t enough...
{Kate tries to lock in the triangle on Pandora, but Pandora is able to get away, she snapmares Kate down hitting the kick to the back, the cartwheel and the dropkick completing the high hats, Lizzy though leaps up dropkicking Pandora in the back sending her out of the ring, Amber goes for a lariat but Lizzy ducks it, Amber stops near the ropes and Lizzy runs, Amber though ducks down and pulls the top rope down, Lizzy flies over the top rope down onto Pandora.}
Terri Morasco: Whoa!
Vasco Dias: Both ladies took a spill!
{Amber turns to Kate who stumbles to her feet, she ducks and picks her up in the bloody murder 3.0 (GTS) she slams her knee into Kate’s face and Kate crumbles to the mat, Amber pins 1….2...3}
----------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENT
”An Imperial Engagement.”
----------------------------------------------------------
{ When we come back from commercial break we find Roberto Verona standing proudly in his ring with his music playing, his Imperial Championship slung over his shoulder. }
Vasco Dias: It’s always a pleasure and an honor to see Roberto Verona.
Terri Morasco: The man who calls himself Imperial Champion.
Vasco Dias: He never technically lost it.
Terri Morasco: He was stripped of it and has yet to book himself in a match against the current champion.
Vasco Dias: Because he is the current champion
Terri Morasco: You’re insufferable.
{ Verona waits for the boos to die down before speaking but when they do he raises his microphone with a wry smirk. }
Roberto Verona: It has come to my attention that our next pay per view event is without an Imperial Championship match.
{ He frowns at his own remark. }
Roberto Verona: Now this simply cannot be allowed to happen. Not only is Metamorphosis a staple of professional wrestling and a corner stone of this company it is shaping up to be the most action packed pay per view in this companies history. For this event to come and go without the most prestigious championship in all of professional wrestling being defended would be an absolute travesty.
Vasco Dias: I have to agree with him.
Terri Morasco: Oh what a shock that is.
Roberto Verona: That is why I have made a personal commitment to find a challenger of the highest caliber. A man who has long deserved to wrestle for the Imperial Championship but as of yet has not received that opportunity. This man is renowned and legendary for his ability inside of a professional wrestling ring. This man is none other than… GABLE ARCADE!!!
{ The crowd goes into a sort of stunned silence. }
Terri Morasco: Who? What?
Vasco Dias: That is a huge signing!!!
Terri Morasco: Are you kidding me!?
{ Verona isn’t able to get another word before “Long live the Chief” hits the pa and Cable Arcane comes marching out from the back, his own Imperial Championship hanging off the shoulder of the Best in the World’s grey three piece suit. Cable stops at the edge of the stage and looks down at Verona. }
Cable Arcane: Is this some sort of a joke!?
{ Verona confidently shakes his head no. }
Cable Arcane: You actually expect me to defend my championship against some parody of myself!?
{ Verona cuts him off. }
Roberto Verona: Actually, Gable Arcade is my opponent for MY Imperial Championship!
{ Cable laughs in frustration. }
Cable Arcane: How long are you going to keep telling that joke before you realize it isn’t funny!?
Roberto Verona: It isn’t a joke, it’s a fact. I never lost this title so as far as I’m concerned I am the one true Imperial Champion.
Cable Arcane: You can keep shinning that turd of a story all you like but it’s still a turd. I’m the Imperial Champion. I won the Heir to the Throne and the sole right to hold this belt!
Roberto Verona: Actually by winning the Heir to the Throne you earned an opportunity to face me for my championship, an opportunity you have yet to take so I have decided to seek out my own worthy competition.
{ Cable shakes his head and adjusts his belt. }
Cable Arcane: I can’t tell if you’re delusional or crazy or both. What I do know is there is only one real Imperial Champion standing out here tonight and it’s the man who NEVER backs down from a challenge and has defended his belt every chance he’s gotten.
Roberto Verona: Which reminds me… You are in need of a match yourself.
Cable Arcane: You and me, Verona, let me help you understand what everyone else already knows.
Roberto Verona: While that sounds like an interesting prospect I find myself with a match already booked and signed. However I do have an idea for you, Mr Best in the World. You claim you don’t have any competition in my prestigious company, I offer my company the opportunity to prove you wrong. At Metamorphosis it will be Cable Arcane defending his false title against three men…
{ Cable looks on, waiting for the names. }
Roberto Verona: The names of which you will not know until they enter the ring.
{ Cable looks irate on the stage now. }
Cable Arcane: You know what? I’m sick of these little games. I’m going to come down to that ring and kick your ass right now!
{ The crowd pops at that as Cable starts to make his way down the ramp but Roberto continues to smile as he waves to the back, security pouring out as if they were waiting just beyond the curtain and cutting Cable off at ring side. }
Roberto Verona: I’m afraid I cannot risk injury to myself before my big title defense next Sunday, I will have to take a rain check on that “ass kicking” if you don’t mind.
{ Cable starts to yell from behind the guards as Verona motions for them to move him out of his path. He hops out of the ring and dusts off his championship as he heads up the ramp and Cable seethes from where he is pinned against the barrier. }
Vasco Dias: This a huge announcement. Not only is the real imperial champion returning to action Sunday he will also be defending the imperial championship!
Terri Morasco: He booked himself against a joke of an opponent and meanwhile put the real imperial champion into a fatal four way against three un named opponents!
Vasco Dias: Genius booking if you ask me.
Terri Morasco: This is insane, unprofessional and all around ridiculous!
Vasco Dias: I agree, Cable should just understand that he’s not the real Imperial Champion.
Terri Morasco: That’s not what I was talking about.
Vasco Dias: It’s ok, you implied it, I understand.
----------------------------------------------------------
SINGLES MATCH
Alex Jones vs Bob Pooler
----------------------------------------------------------
Allison Vallance: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, introducing first …
{The lights in the arena suddenly turn out, plunging the fans into darkness. Little by little, small beacons of light begins to pop up as the fans raise their lit cellphone aloft as the #WWIDN appears on the Jumbotron in bright red and the opening drumbeat of “Red Fraction” begins to play. Amidst a shower of phone flashes, Pooler steps out from behind the curtain as the song begins to pick up. Shielding his eyes with his left hand, he points to the nosebleed sections with his right before making his way to the edge of the ramp.}
Alison Valance: Making his way to the ring; from Manchester, New Hampshire; weighing in at two hundred and twenty-eight pounds … Bob … POOOOOLER!
{Pooler heads down the ramp, breaking into a run and sliding into the ring beneath the bottom rope. He pops back to his feet and heads to the nearest corner and climbs to the second turnbuckle and throws his arms into the air to the roar of the crowd. He drops back down to the ring and grabs hold of the ropes, tugging down on them and taking a moment to stretch before the match can begin.}
Allison Vallance: And his opponent …
"If I could find the words, if I could shake the world, if nI could turn back time would you still be there?"
{Of Mice and men's "Would you still be there?"blasts over the PA as Alex Jones steps out onto the stage. His long two tone hair wet down his back and sides. He wears a black Alex Jones shirt and his wrestling gear. He gets down to the ring and leaps onto the apron before wiping his feet off and getting into the ring, he throws his arms out to the side before slapping his chest}
Allison Vallance: Making his way to the ring, from Dallas, Texas … “The Black Dragon” … AAAAAALEX … JOOOOOOOONES!!!
{He slowly walks down the ramp, ignoring the fans booing him with a huge smirk on his face. Alex walks to the steps and walks up to the apron, one step at a time. Alex wipes his feet on the mat before entering the ring and gets on the middle turnbuckle as he poses to the crowd with a big smile on his face.
Once both men have settled down and headed to their corners the referee makes a quick check. Pooler and Jones both give a nod, practically chomping at the bit to get started. The referee signals to the timekeeper and the match is underway!
DING DING!!!}
Terri Morasco: This is a match that fans have been waiting for all week long, Vasco! Both Pooler and Jones are looking to get themselves into the Imperial title hunt!
Vasco Dias: I hope Cable Arcane crushes both their dreams.
{Jones makes a slow circle of the ring, grinning at Pooler as he does. Bob doesn’t look intimidated, but keeps a watchful eye on Alex. Finally Pooler makes the first move, looking for a running knee strike. Jones sidesteps! As Pooler whips around Jones is already there, wrapping him up for a big release German suplex that sends him flying across the ring.
Pooler gets back to his feet quickly and rounds on Jones. Alex throws a clothesline, but Pooler catches his arm and twists into a wristlock. As Jones tries to wrench his arm free Pooler hits a back heel kick that staggers Alex into the ropes. Before Jones can recover Bob hits a running dropkick that sends the former champion over the top rope to the floor outside.
Jones lands mostly on his feet, catching himself on the apron without going down too hard. Meanwhile, Pooler has backed all the way across the ring. He springs forward and then hits a baseball slide that catches Alex square in the chest. Jones is knocked back into the barricade.}
Terri Morasco: And we have quickly spilled out of the ring! Pooler is relying heavily on his fast pace to try and keep Jones off his game.
Vasco Dias: TAKE OUT HIS KNEES, ALEX!
{Pooler is quick to try and follow up with a running forearm, but at the last second Alex pops him up into the air and drops him down right across the top of the barrier! Pooler slumps off, clutching his ribs and trying to regain his breath. Jones smirks as he rolls back and forth in pain.
Turning his back to Pooler, Jones quickly slides into and back out of the ring to restart the ten count. Pooler pulls himself back to a standing position as Jones grabs hold and whips him back towards the ring, his back colliding with the apron and leaving Pooler in a clump.}
Terri Morasco: My god! That looked absolutely horrific! How can Bob Pooler breathe after that?
Vasco Dias: Well if he can’t, no great loss, right? Hah!
{Pooler attempts to roll away, but as soon as he stops, Jones bring the heel of his boot down hard on his lower back . Bob once again rolls away … this time beneath the ring! Alex shakes his head and stalks around, headed toward the opposite side. Pooler is out from underneath the ring quicker than expected! As Jones nears the last corner Bob races towards it, diving through the ring and connecting with a huge tornado DDT!
Alex rolls away quickly, holding his head after the impact. Pooler wastes no time, charging in to smash Jones into the barrier with a spear. The rail gives a metallic screech as it’s pushed a few inches across the floor from the force! Jones sags to the ground, but brings Pooler down with him in the process. Despite struggling to get some air back into his lungs, Alex manages to bring his elbow down several times on the back of Pooler’s head.}
Terri Morasco: Jones’s showing some signs of fatigue here, but refusing to quit!
{The two manage to untangle, Jones rolling in one direction and Pooler in the other. Alex forces himself up to his knees, holding one side. Bob is the first to his feet, spying Jones. Surging into action, Pooler sprints across the distance between them and hits a massive clothesline on the kneeling Jones, practically like he’s trying to decapitate him.
Jones is left sprawled out on the floor for a moment or two after the blow. He rolls onto his stomach, starting to get up. Pooler races back in, looking for a kick to the face, but Jones manages to catch his leg! Alex brings Pooler to the floor with a single leg takedown and begins raining down closed-fist punches into his face!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!
FIVE!
SIX!
SEVEN!
EIGHT!
Alex turns and quickly realizes that he hasn’t hit Pooler eight times … that was the sound of the referee! He sprints back to the ring, rolling in and back out again before picking up where he left off with Pooler.
Alex drives one more first into he face of Pooler and finishes off the assault with a sharp headbutt before getting to his feet. Jones looks to still be recovering from the earlier spear, holding his side as he leans against the edge of the ring. It gives Bob just enough time to get to his feet.
Spying his opponent up once again, Jones lunges forward. Bob ducks at the last second and sends Alex up and over with a back body drop. JONES CRASHES DOWN RIGHT ONTO THE STEEL STAIRS!!! Pooler smirks and drops an elbow into Alex’s chest for good measure. The audience cringes and Jones rolls off the other side of the steps.}
Vasco Dias: Come on Jones, just TAKE OUT HIS KNEES!
Terri Morasco: Vasco! Stop yelling in my ear – besides, both men are going for broke right now, and you screaming at Alex doesn’t mean he’s going to listen.
Vasco Dias: Maybe not you, but he actually likes me!
{Pooler follows after, looking to hook Jones up, but Jones creates some space with a shove. Alex slides back into the ring and Bob is quick to follow. He surges towards Jones, trying to keep Alex on the defensive, but Jones gets a boot up! Pooler doubles over as the kick makes contact with his gut. Jones is able to hook one arm, but Bob fights with the other, trying to break free. Alex throws a big knee right up into Pooler’s face and Bob goes a little slack, allowing him to grab the other arm.
There’s an almost hesitant scatter of applause from the crowd as Jones looks up and grins. After just a moment of showboating he hits The Dragon Sleeps right in the middle of the ring! Alex shoves Pooler away and onto his back before dropping in for the pin. The referee slides in for the count.
ONE!
…
TWO!
…
KICKOUT!!!
Pooler somehow gets the shoulder up. Jones looks shocked, but is quick to stand. He leans down and yanks Pooler up right by the hair! Alex goes for a blistering short arm clothesline… BUT AT THE LAST SECOND POOLER REVERSES!!! Alex is sent crashing into the near corner with an Irish whip!!! As Jones stumbles forward, Pooler wastes no time; he drops Jones with a quick backbreaker before applying pressure with a bow and arrow lock submission!}
Terri Morasco: Bob Pooler going for the submission victory, but can Jones hold on?
Vasco Dias: Of course he can! Come on Jones! Get up already!
{Alex claws at Pooler’s hands, trying to pry them free, but to no avail. Jones tries throwing a few elbows, but can’t reach Bob’s position either. With no ropes to force a break, Alex struggles to think of a way to get free. Pooler cranks down harder on the submission, trying to force the tap out.
Alex locks his hands around Pooler’s left hand, struggles for a moment before, incredibly, he prys Pooler’s hand away and rolls to his side, driving the point of his elbow right into the forehead of his opponent. Pooler loses his grip on Jone’s legs and grabs his head, giving Alex an opportunity to clear the cobwebs for a moment.
Jones backs up several paces, watching Pooler to be sure that he stays in place. Measuring the distance, Alex dashes forward and hits a running boot… right to Pooler’s head!!! Bob slumps to the side, nearly falling out of the ring.
Jones yanks Pooler to his knees by the hair, leaving him in place as he steps back, looking for a running knee to the face! As Alex closes in, however, Pooler digs down deep and drives his shoulder into Jones’s midsection at the last moment!}
Terri Morasco: Pooler with a momentum shifting move there, Vas!
Vasco Dias: Doesn’t matter, he’s going to need more than that to take out Alex Jones!
{Jones reels back, catching himself on the ropes and gasping for breath. Pooler and advances on Jones who comes at him with a clothesline. Pooler ducks it, hitting the far ropes and coming back with a running knee to the spine! Alex rolls in under the bottom rope in attempt to put ward off further attack. Pooler moves in but the referee instructs him to back up until Jones is free of the ropes.
Jones has just enough time to get to his feet before Pooler advances on him once more. Alex hits a well placed knee to the gut and quickly wraps him up. Pooler attempts to break free of the hold with punches to Jones’s sides, but Alex holds on fast, lifting him up, up, straight up into the air! Pooler is starting to go red in the face by the time Jones drills in him into the canvas!
Vasco Dias: I think he’s out!
Alex hooks the leg with a quickness as the refree slides in for the count.
ONE!
…
TWO!
…
THR—KICKOUT!!!
Terri Morasco: Shoulder up! I don’t know how he did it, but Bob Pooler got the shoulder up!
Jones stares in disbelief for a moment or two, but the ref holds up two fingers in confirmation. It looks like Alex is about to start arguing but before he can both lurch back in opposite directions, dodging a swing from Pooler! Bob is back on his feet first but Jones is only a blink behind.
The two men lock eyes and stare one another down for so long that it starts to get uncomfortable. Pooler dashes forward first, but Jones firmly holds his ground. As Bob closes in Alex finally reacts, blasting Bob right in the face with a forearm! The shot is so stiff that it knocks Pooler off of his feet. Alex wastes no time folding Pooler up like a pretzel before deadlifting him off of the mat… and sending him crashing back down with a package powerbomb!!!}
Terri Morasco: Did you HEAR that impact?!
Vasco Dias: And now he’s got the pin… Come on Jones, come on!
The referee slides right back in for another count.
ONE!
…
TWO!
…
THRE—FOOT ON THE ROPES!!!}
Vasco Dias: What?!?!
Terri Morasco: How?! How does Bob Pooler have anything left?!
{Jones doesn’t make the same mistake as last time. He’s back on his feet in an instant, refusing to give up. He can feel that imminent victory and is looking to put Pooler away for good. Alex backs across the ring into the opposing corner, watching and waiting. Bob is still shaking out the cobwebs as he hauls himself to a knee.
Alex sprints across the ring as quickly as he can manage in his fatigued state, going for the Flashback … BUT POOLER CATCHES HIM WITH A HIGH VELOCITY HUG AT THE LAST SECOND!!! Jones’s momentum leaves him folded in half on the canvas gasping for breath as Pooler lies on his back recovering himself.}
Vasco Dias: Oh no. Oh no oh no.
Terri Morasco: This could be a turning point… That looked absolutely devastating to Jones.
Vasco Dias: Don’t say that!
{Pooler crawls over, draping an arm across the chest of Jones as the referee drops into place ...
ONE!
…
TWO!
…
THR … NO!}
Vasco Dias: SEE! I told you that it’d take more than that to stop Jones!
{Both men are slow to get back to their feet. Jones strikes first with a hard left hand that sends Pooler back towards the ropes. Bob fights back with a right hand, then a left, followed by another right. Jones, out of nowhere, leaps into the air and drills Pooler with the AJ-Guri that sends Pooler backwards into the ropes where he rebounds right back at Jones, nailing him with Dr. Teeth out of nowhere himself. Neither man falls, but both look to be on wobbly legs. Jones grabs hold of Pooler, driving forearm after forearm into the side of his head before whipping him hard towards the corner. Jones follows up, but Pooler gets his feet up in time, haulting Alex in his tracks.
Bob whips Alex back across the ring, sizing him up for a moment before hurtling in and hitting the Imperious Rex! The double knee, reverse lung buster combination is enough to leave Jones gasping for breath. Pooler covers and the referee doesn’t even count one, pulling Pooler off and indicating that Jones has his left leg on the bottom rope. Pooler shakes his head and reaches down, dragging Alex into the middle of the ring. He reaches down for another cover only for Jones to strike like a cobra with a shot to the throat of Pooler. Bob retreats for a moment, allowing Alex the opportunity to regain his vertical base.}
Terri Morasco: There’s no end in sight here Vasco!
Vasco Dias: Are you serious? Alex Jones is standing on his feet … the end is most certainly in sight.
{Jones and Pooler meet in the center of the ring, both men trading blows like two gladiators - neither one giving an inch. Pooler blocks a right and goes for a knee to the midsection but Jones was ready for him. He grabs hold of Pooler’s leg, backs up a step and whips it to the side, spinning Pooler three hundred and sixty degrees and right into a hard kick to the gut that doubles him over. Jones grabs one of Pooler’s arms in an underhook, the fans on their feet and ready. He locks the other arm in place, but Pooler’s still fighting! Pooler begins to try and lift Jones up in a back body drop, Alex anticipates this and lets go of Pooler’s arms giving Bob the opportunity catch Jones in a fireman’s carry. Alex tries to wiggle free, but Pooler quickly spins him around, catching him on the way down with a huge double knee gutcheck that leaves the former Imperial champion doubled over.}
Terri Morasco: Pepto-Bismol Red!
{Bob drops to the mat and unfolds Jones, making the cover.
ONE
…
TWO
...
THREE!
DING DING DING!!!}
Vasco Dias: So … wait …
Terri Morasco: He won!
Allison Vallance: The winner of the match, BOOOOOOOB … POOOOOOOOOLER!!!
{The crowd gives a thunderous cheer at the decision. The referee raising Pooler’s hand as Jones makes his way to one knee. Pooler moves past the referee and reaches down, helping pull Jones back to his feet and extending his hand towards him. Jones looks at Pooler, then his hand and hesitates only for a moment before meeting the hand and shaking it. Pooler watches as Jones exits the ring, making his way back up the ramp while he looks back out at the crown in celebration}
Terri Morasco: I can’t believe it! I guess you can’t believe everything you hear, huh partner?
Vasco Dias: I don’t understand what happened here, but Jones should have won this match.
Terri Morasco: But he didn’t, Vas
Vasco Dias: Alternative facts, Morasco … alternative facts!